My Dad had Alzheimer’s. While I was lamenting his decline, pieces of the “old” Dad would show through. I would hear him say, “I am losing a piece of my mind every day.” Heartbreaking!! This, from a man that owned his own architectural company, could do math in his head, and was a brilliant artist.
It took a long time, but our family accepted Dad for what he was each day. He loved taking drives, and loved going out to eat. He people-watched all the time. I remember one time when he was resting on a concrete seat outside of his doctor’s office. A woman doctor came out of the door, dressed impeccably, and had a very nice figure. My Dad’s eyes lit on her immediately and followed her until she was out of sight. My Dad was not a womanizer, but he still appreciated a nice-looking woman.
Another side of this people-watching came through as well. He would always comment on people’s weight or men with facial hair. (Before he died, the men had started wearing goatees.) Dad would ask them, “Why do you like all that stuff on your face?”
The word “stuff” represented a change in language ability. If Dad couldn’t remember the word he was looking for, he would give a similar word that was more general. I could usually guess what he was asking for, but that was because I was with him almost every day.
We kept Dad active as long as we could. Even a few months before he died, we took him shopping for a new shirt and tie (which he picked out) to wear to my brother’s wedding. Dad was very happy that night. He loved the margaritas and danced with the bride!
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