We went to Uncle George's Appreciation night at Twinbrook last night. We sat by Mary Bourke and Gordon. Gordon has Alzheimer's. He reminded me very much of my Dad in his final couple of years. Asking the same questions a few minutes apart, making the same comments. Never once realizing that he just asked the same question a couple of minutes ago. Even so,I found him to be a joy to talk to. You could tell he was enjoying himself and had no idea of his mental state.
It made me stop and think. Mary Lynn's family as far as I know has no history of Alzheimer's, and if she follows in the footsteps of her Dad and Uncle and Aunt, she'll have her mental faculty's up until her final days. However, my family is just the opposite. I feel sure if my body holds out long enough it will start to outlive my mind. I've seen it in my Dad, and now watch it happening to my Mother.
I guess the purpose of this post is to let Mark, Kevin and Brian know that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all the times I'm going to ask you the same questions, make the same comments, can't recall your names. I'm sure your Mother will have the patience to put up with me, and I hope you do, too. Please know that I have no idea that I don't remember. Even if you tell me, I won't remember it a minute later. Come visit me even though it's uncomfortable. I'll tell you now that I appreciate it, even though I'm sure that I'll have no idea at that time how hard it was for you to visit.
I hope this is years away. And, it probably is. But if I live long enough I have no doubt it will happen to me. Of course, there's always the possibility that they find a cure or treatment that works wonders.
Mark, Kevin and Brian probably think I exhibit a lot of those symptoms even now. I know I repeat myself, asking the same questions, telling the same stories. But, I think that's due more to not seeing each of you for a week or two.
3 comments:
What a sweet post. I think you'll always be wonderful to be with. And if not, I intend to smack you around a little. You just THINK I'm patient.
Don't you ever worry for one second!!! After I help MLT tie you up, you won't be able to get rid of us.
XO
You already blogged about this, Dad. Twice. Hah hah!
We will always come visit and even if you keep repeating the same knock knock jokes your innate charm will keep us wanting more.
One good thing I think you should keep in mind is that you stopped smoking much earlier than your parents. I think that plays a big role in brain health. Also, you're cool and do a lot of stuff.
Post a Comment