Sunday, June 27, 2010

A Strange Day

Hey, Y'all,
I don't know why I should think today was any stranger than any other day, because when you are married to a person with dementia or Alzheimer's, any day can be strange. Ha.

This morning, I was up at my usual 6:30 a.m. and soon was making breakfast and eating it by 7:15. Then I got dressed in preparation for my visit to the nursing home, and spent some time online with Teresa IM'ing each other. When I got to the nursing home, Gramps was still in bed sleeping, so I went outside to read for awhile. Then about 11 a.m., I went back in to get him up for lunch, and the aide helped me get him up and dressed and into his wheelchair. About that time the nurse came in to give him some medication. It turns out that what she was giving him at lunchtime was a medication that can cause sleepiness and is for his blood pressure and to relax his bladder. I asked her if she could get it changed to nighttime, because he gets so sleepy a couple of hours after he takes it. She wrote a request for it to be changed.

After he finished lunch, we went outside for about an hour and then, he was so sleepy he wanted to take a nap, so I took him back inside and we put him down for a nap, and I left for lunch. I went to Ruby Tuesday's there in Dandridge and had a fresh avocado Quesadilla. Yum! It was really good. When I got back to the nursing home, he was still asleep, so I sat in the chair next to his bed for awhile until he began to stir and asked if he was ready to get up. He said, "No," so I laid down beside him in the bed and put my arm around his middle.

He asked me what my oldest son, Fred, was doing these days, and I said, "Who do you think I am?". He said, "Mae". Ha. I said, "What do you think Ruby would say about me lying here next to you?" He said, "She would just laugh and think it is funny."

I just got up and laughed, and said, "Don't you think she would be jealous?" He said, "No, I don't". I said, "You are right." A little later, I asked him who he thought I was then and he said, "Aunt Lula". So, Aunt Lula is back in the picture. What an interesting afternoon it was.

We got him up and he had supper soon after, and he was waiting to be put to bed when I left him. The aide, Joie, was in there getting ready to put him and his room mate to bed for the night. I came on home and made my onion/tomato/bacon/miracle whip/ sandwich and it was just as good tonight as last night. I also washed a load of clothes, and am sorely tempted to go to bed myself, but will wait until my supper has settled, so as to prevent acid reflux. I can do better with housework in the mornings than I can after a day at the nursing home.

Well, that is about it for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you. Bye for now. More later.

7 comments:

Amber at The Musings of ALMYBNENR said...

I just don't know how you do it everyday, Ruby. You have so much love around you so that helps for sure.
Always in my thoughts.

Tanya said...

That is a very interesting day. At least he thinks you are people he loves. You are an amazing wife and Uncle Dubby is lucky to have you he is such sweet man too :)

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart. May God give you continued strength and love and even some joy during this time.

Anonymous said...

You always amaze me at your outlook on life and how joyful you are. I loved the story about the car title, too. It is nice to know there are still people out there that can appreciate a favor from a stranger. Have a good week. It is supposed to be a little less humid here and I am sure looking forward to that!

Clara....in TN said...

Oh Grammy, there's never a dull moment, is there? Yesterday morning Bill was wide awake and he said, "I'm trying to get my mind straight...I think I know where there's 100.000.00 It's in that plane, but I don't know where the plane is. He said, "You can fly it, Lisa can fly it and I know Gary can fly it, but I don't trust Donaldo. (That is Lisa's husband) Donaldo is the only one of us that knows how to fly. This morning I ask him if he remembered saying it and he didn't. He has never been diagnosed with Al or demenhia (sp) but I'm beginning to wonder.

Arlee Bird said...

You stay so busy. You absolutely amaze me. Keep up the strength cause you have a lot on your shoulders.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Patricia Stoltey said...

You are amazing, Ruby. That struggle with the door is a story in itself. I wish you well and hope Gramps surprises you with a little more progress so the physical therapist stays on a little longer.