Dementia: Carpe Diem

The sun shone on the brave yesterday as we seized the day and the clouds stayed away.  Maureen was in good form early doors so I hastily rearranged our trip to Coventry and by 11 am we were on the A46 heading south to see my mum.

Our chauffeur was superb and I think Maureen could be persuaded to travel in style in future.  In fact, she was really taken with life in a Volvo with its leather trim and smooth acceleration.  I wonder if it is too late for her to alert Santa to what the old man would like in his stocking?

My eldest daughter and her two girls were at my mum’s Care Home on arrival.  We quickly exchanged hugs (although in my haste I understand I missed out the youngest) and good wishes for Christmas before taking my mum  for a short drive in the country.  It wasn’t a day for the normal ice cream treat so mum had to traverse some difficult territory with her walking frame as we inched towards the cafe at Coombe Park.  Mum and Maureen were so taken with the Festive table decorations that a kind waitress responded to my scrounging attempt with some artificial flowers to remind mum of our visit.

On our return, we were in bed shortly after 8 pm both worn out from our mission.  It was a very tiring day but we went to bed delighted with what we had achieved and the opening of a door, Volvo of course, which could lead to new directions on our journey in 2017.

There could be no other contender for today’s Good Music.  I remember having a Christmas drink with Maureen when we were work colleagues listening to this song and thinking I’m really fond of this woman: over 25 years later I still am!

I’m a little late posting this morning as Maureen is resolute that it is time to go home.  I have just listened to a very convincing argument that we no longer need to stay in this Care Home.  I wonder if she has got wind of the Best Interest Meeting that will take place two weeks today to deliberate upon her future care and accommodation!