That's the way Mac answered many of the greetings we received today..he just did no get it...I told him several times that the people were wishing us a Happy New Year, as it is the beginning of a New Year. Our Preposee, Abedul said 2015 to him in French and English, but it really didn't click; but he would repeat the greeting back to people and then look a little blank and say ummm.
Just as the commentators on the radio and t.v. are talking about the highs and lows of 2014; I've been thinking of the highs and lows of the past week! One of the highs was that we are able to go OUTSIDE for a walk. Actually we have only done it twice..but that is a miracle I really never thought his walking would be good enough, especially having to wear boots ..but he did just fine.
Both walks were just up the street and around the small park, taking at the most 30 minutes (he is such a slow walker)and both times it was fun. Well fun, if one likes to hear someone say Hallelujah and then do a raspberry. Then I would say, okay if this is too much should we turn around and go home. He would answer "no it's okay, let's just go to the corner. Then at the next corner we would turn around and go back, and wow then the wind would be right in our faces, and Halleljah would turn to Jesus Christ. I said, it's so good of you to remember that this is the season to say those things..ha. He, of course did not get the joke, but it would set me off and we would laugh - and come back home completely satisfied with our afternoon.
So with eating really well - walking around the building, being fairly cooperative, its been a good week, with of course the exceptions..which with this illness is par for the course. The worst being doing something absolutely new, and that is taking him down to the 2nd floor because he was behaving agitated,swearing, and completely disoriented, this, New Year's eve. He started with saying he wanted to find Janet..I said softly, I'm Janet - we had 3 little children playing near him - two being my friend's grandchildren, and the third Finley, my great grandchild - well he swore - and said I was not Janet. and he wanted his wife. I tried saying we'd look for her tomorrow, but to no avail, he was going to go out and find her - and started to get furious. So, with that I took him away, saying let's go down to the second floor and see about it.
In the elevator - just the two of us, he gripped my wrists and started to really yell,and threaten... till I said. "hey let go, maybe she is on the second floor. When I got there I quickly explained to Abedel - He side tracked Mac, asking him how he was etc., as I said, Look Mac, I'll be back shortly, just wait for me - sit with the others - see you later, then took
off. I felt very sad as I knew how awful it must be for him, not to know what's going on. Who were all the kids and the people in the apartment, where was his home, his wife, his mother and so on. It must seem like such a nightmare for him.
About 45 min or so later I went down, he calmly said, "why were you so long, I was getting tired of waiting for you"...and that was it, no fuss he got ready for bed. Strangely enough, this morning after his breakfast, he was very crabby, I said "hey what's up what's wrong " He said, oh nothing to do with you, I'm mad at Janet." Well I just ignored that, talked about going around the building for a walk and explaining it was too windy and gusty...outside..
Later my friend came for lunch with us..her mom and dad both had the big A. She was perfect. Came in and actually spoke directly to him, sat beside him and waited for him to answer - it takes awhile for him to think, and many people kind of brush over it and don't bother to try to communicate,but continue talking and acting as if he isn't there. He doesn't mind most times, but it's usually good if we make him feel part of it even just some of the time, I'm guilty of this as well, as I'm usually so happy to talk to people who are on target and thereby leaving him out. I must remember to be more inclusive of him.
So the past week has been up and down in so many ways, but the ups trumped...not to say he'll be walking outside now all the time, but perhaps we will be able to walk outdoors again..now if my aching back goes away, as bending and getting him all dressed is the pits. so time to get my heating pad and get to bed .... happy new year g'nite
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