Sunday, January 25, 2009

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Witnessing Alzheimer's: Stage 7

...
I never expected him to reach this point. At the same time, I haven't wished for him to die. I haven't prayed for him to die. I've made no bargains with God or anyone else. I've just done everything I could to keep him comfortable. I've poured myself into that task. If it had been me I'd have wanted euthanasia. But I know Abe would not have wanted that, even if it were possible. He'll stay until the end and I'll stay with him. I only hope my courage is as great as his.

read more at the Seattle P.I.

Monday, January 19, 2009

He was better today

recognized me when I came in
took my hand and kissed it.

Later, he kissed his own hand.
He has a bruise,
and he kissed the bruise
as if he were a father caring for a child,
something like the day
he called himself He.

While I was there he ate
a cup of ice cream, strawberry
with medicine in it
and 3 to 4 ounces of health shake.

A few days ago
I didn't think I'd make it to the opera tomorrow.
I thought I'd be arranging a funeral
but I'll go to the opera
and out to eat with a friend.
I'll pretend the day is normal.
Maybe it is.

Thanks for dropping by,

Esther

Suggested reading

Alzheimer's Notes

Friday, January 16, 2009

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Witnessing Alzheimer's: Dinner

Last night at dinner:
a dish of pears
6 ounces of health shake
4 ounces of apple juice
the rest: spit read more at the Seattle P.I.

Monday, January 12, 2009

A twinkle in his eye

There was no twinkle in Abe's eye yesterday; not much the day before either. Today I brought him read more

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

She kisses me goodbye

In this entry, Abe gets a chance to speak, a fun way to open up possibilites for our relationship on the page.