Memory loss, difficulty finding words, getting lost, unable to problem solve, unable to do two tasks at once.
My Dad has dementia, he has been struggling for a few years. Sometimes his inability to find the right words has him revert back to the Finnish language.
Yesterday we visited Mom and Dad in their assisted living apartment. Mom is not real happy being there she misses the house that they sold. Dad is okay there...his recliner and TV are in virtually the same spot as in their house. The food is good since Mom still cooks. Dad watches basically one program on Netflix Heartland. I like that show too and I can understand him liking it. Dad used to listen to baseball games on the radio and on TV...but he can no longer follow the game.
Yesterday Dad knew that I was "the oldest kid" and he was happy to see me. He asked me again "How old are you?" I finally told him 70 and he said "That is really old" He knew that he was 95. Most of the time he does not know what year it is or the month.
He thanked me in Finn for the card and a bit of money for his billfold. Kiitos.
My Dad is the last of his family...all of his brothers and sisters have died. He is the lone survivor. He is also a Bladder Cancer survivor since 1986. It is hard for him being the only one left, he misses his sister Anna very much.
I miss parts of my Dad; the memories and remember whens, the one with advice and an opinion, the one who would take the opposite side of a discussion just to be on the other side. ( If he didn't take the opposite side I would)
My Dad who smiles when he sees me and always welcomes a hug is still there for that I am grateful.
Far Side