What a wild ride we’re on! This week has certainly seen a great deal of change in Mother, and to be honest, some is great! I’ll try to give you the update and make it as interesting as I can:
The beginning of the week, Mom was making some attempts to walk, but also found moments when her wheelchair and recliner were better. She rested a great deal and still nibbled on her food.
By Wednesday, when Connie and Jean came to visit, she was not at all “sparklie”. She was tired and her voice was quite low. She wasn’t able to say much, and what she did say tended to be irrelevant to the topic at hand. She wasn’t much interested, either, in her food. And, when the time came for her to go in for her shower, she complied and went off with Morina, later joined by Jennifer, the aide. There wasn’t much more for the RLC duo to wait for, so they headed out into the wicked morass of rain to go home.
By Saturday, Mom had begun eating more. Her alertness had picked up, as well. She knows she likes Leddy, but she doesn’t recognize her by name, any longer.
Mom has also begun walking more - and they ensure she is using the walker when she does, as her balance is quite weak.
Her voice is a bit stronger and, once in awhile, she’ll state something that demonstrates her presence in the here-and-now. This creates a feeling of well-being for the time.
She enjoyed reading the adverts in the paper, this morning as I came to visit, albeit briefly (I’ve been ill with the flu and tried to keep as far from her as possible - but I had to replenish her supplies). She was bright and happy to see me and then turned her attention to the paper and just as soon forgot I was there.
It is said that Lewy Body Dementia is a roller coaster and it’s only been since September or so, that we are beginning to understand the analogy. She declined quickly, so we began hospice. She returned to the living and just as we were about to take her off hospice she plummeted. Now, the coaster is climbing again to another height, but it’s not as high as we’ve seen - in fact, this one is not high - but it’s still an elevation. These are the times we smile and enjoy the moments while they last, hands in the air but the sounds aren’t of elation, but of breathing and prayers.
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