Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. It was Mattie's first week in-patient and starting chemotherapy! Why did it look like Mattie's hair was already missing? Because his medical team encouraged us to cut Mattie's hair short, so that as he began to lose his hair on treatment, it wouldn't be as traumatic. Frankly with cut hair or no cut hair, a six year old loosing his hair was traumatic! Being without hair was the first visual to Mattie that confirmed he was very ill and looked differently from his friends. That day, Mattie's art therapists brought in a project to engage him. As you can see, Mattie was gluing tiles onto pieces of wood. When the wood pieces were assembled, they formed a tissue box cover. To this day, this tissue box cover sits on my nightstand. Who knew at the time that these art projects would produce legacy items? I know I certainly didn't, but I am so grateful Mattie loved to create and that his art therapists appreciated and nurtured this side of him.
Quote of the day: To him, freedom was greater than love. She hated that. Because she had always thought that love was freedom. ~ Tessa Shaffer
As soon as I helped my dad out of bed, I could see it was going to be a tough day. Did you know there is a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and irritable bowel syndrome? They seem to go together, and it isn't like one causes the other, but many Alzheimer's patients have to cope with gastro-intestinal issues. I can't tell you what I faced today! My dad's bathroom looked like an intestinal crime scene and he has NO IDEA when and if he is going. I have been doing countless clean ups today, from the bed, the bathroom floor, the shower, and even in the restaurant where I took my parents for lunch today. This nightmare is so common place now for my dad, that I have learned to just deal with it. But in my moments of clarity, I ask myself..... could most adult children cope with this? Truthfully, I suspect not. I remember years ago, my dad's doctor telling him that the number one reason adult children institutionalize their parents is over bathroom issues. I think my dad should be glad that I have a high tolerance level for many things.
I am worn out physically and emotionally today, so since the sun is still up, I am headed outside into my garden to continue cleaning up weeds, trimming roses, and watering plants. It is my therapy, but of course knowing we are slowly moving into September, I am aware of the sad fact that fall and winter will be fast approaching, and my ability to get fresh air and be outside will diminish.
No comments:
Post a Comment