"George II"

We met George on October 27th of this year. He was found outside searching for his car in the early morning. George has become increasingly agitated and confused. The holidays are a terrible time for people with dementia. With the progression of the disease, they become very frustrated as family members visit the faces that greet them are strangers. The routines of the day are disturbed which only causes more anxiety.

 

Last night, I visited George and his wife Maxine to give them their evening pills. George was very agitated. Although he and Maxine have been married for over 60 years and have 8 wonderful children George was convinced that he had to call his wife to let her know where he was. He blurted out, "you aren't my wife!" Maxine, bless her, tried to explain to George that she was his wife and he didn't need to go anywhere. She tries so hard with him.

 

I winked at Maxine, and George and I were off to my office just across the hall.

 

I took out the book of resident's numbers and let him find the number. I dialed the number and handed George the phone.

Maxine answered. George explained to his wife he was stuck in Iowa and he couldn't get home.

Maxine, such a grand lady, told George she was stuck in Iowa, too. She gave him her room number and off we went, across the hall back to George and Maxine's room.

He was so relieved to see her. He walked in, smiled and said "I was worried sick I wouldn't get home to you."

I had tears in my eyes when Maxine looked at me and said "you are an angel, you know that??" It embarrassed me, I knew just 10 minutes of my time saved Maxine so much heartache.

I'm not the angel, Maxine is.

 

George sat down in his comfy recliner like nothing had ever happened and gave me a big wave as I left the room.

 

Yep, it's time.

 

Hook's family, his mom, 5 children, grandbaby and son-in-law, Scotty's Sarah, and whoever else may stop by will be here tomorrow for our Christmas.

 

On the menu:

Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetable Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Fruit Salad, Broccoli Salad, Pickles, Olives, Sausage, Cheese, Vegetable Tray with Ranch, Deviled Eggs, Pies, Cheese Cake, Fruit Punch, Rolls

 

I've got 24 hours to get all of this done.

 

I do my best work under pressure.

 

 

Merry Christmas!!!!

 

The Holidays

 

As the year closes it always brings me to a place of reflection. The things I've done in the past year. The things I should have done a little differently and where the next year may take me. It is such an adventure.

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Every holiday in recent years I've spent at work. I know I do best there. I put on my reindeer headband, a colorful Christmas sweater and remind my beautiful residents what time of year it is.

It's funny with dementia, even when thoughts are so jumbled people with Alzheimer's disease usually remember Christmas Carols. Singing comes from a different part of the brain and these tunes lay protected in their fragile minds. I know it sounds a bit trivial but to see smiles and a sense of peace in these people, the peace they find in "knowing" the song, it's a warm, almost overwhelming feeling.

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The New Year brings hope of exciting new things. I'm not much for resolutions but I do make personal goals that I usually keep to myself. This year I will share my most important goals with everyone. Maybe I'll scroll though around June to see where I am.

 

Feel free to share yours as well.

 

  I must make plans to go to Florida and see my Dad, sister, and brothers. It's been way too long.

I would like to reach out to my Mother, just one more time. As a good friend pointed out recently (Colo), she suffers and misses her family. I'm willing to give it one more shot.

Find peace with my career choices. I haven't heard news about the position on the base. If that doesn't pan out, I need to get back to my dementia residents. It actually hurts, I miss giving that type of care. I need them as much as they need me.

Get my house in order. Finish remodeling projects that are half done. (My kitchen has been tore up for 2 years!!)

Last but not least, help others. I think about giving time but never get motivated to do it. One thing a month is not too much to ask. Red Cross, shelters, the homeless, shut-ins...they all need us!!

 

 

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To all our friends here on "The Stream," Hook and I wish you the happiest of holidays and the best year ever. I'm glad we found this great community of people, it has given us so much.

 

Nursey

The Uglymobile

 

 

Well, Scotty has wheels. A 1988 Subaru GL wagon.

It's a beauty

80,000 original miles, great on gas, good tires...all for the incredibly low price of $800.00

 

Wow...life is good.

(Wish the neighbors would pick up their recycle bin out of their driveway!!)

Scotty called!!

Just the average Friday night, in couch potato mode, and the phone rings, it's my boy !!

 

Although I could still hear a little anger and disappointment in his voice we managed to get caught up on things. He spent a quiet birthday with his Dad's family.

 

His biggest irritation is he has no friends there. His Dad keeps him pretty much isolated at the "camp," a nice little get away cabin my ex-husband and his brother built for hunting. My understanding he and his Dad live out there and only come to town when they need to for supplies. It has satellite T.V., heat, and fireplaces, it's far from roughing it. I like the idea. A quiet place for him to reflect, maybe make some decisions on life.

 

They are packing up this Sunday. Moving to New Mexico. Both of them have jobs lined up and will live in a rented condo until they get settled. Scotty will be as 2 1/2 hours away from me Sunday as they will be stopping over in Kansas City to spend their first night. I just want to get in the truck and go and get him...I'm fighting the urge with every bit of my mom-being.

 

By the end of the hour long conversation we were laughing and joking like old times. Scotty and his Dad have never gotten along. I don't know if it's a "man" thing or his Dad's idea that everyone has to be doing something 24/7. I'm more laid back, I love down time...and so does Scotty.

 

He still considers Omaha his home, I could tell in his voice he wants to come back and I extended the invitation several times. He seems unsure of the move to New Mexico, but I think deep down, he is excited about the adventure.

 

I'm just so happy we talked, I feel at peace with my decisions and I think he's on the road to forgiving me.