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Communication and Thanksgiving

I want to share what I am learning about supporting Rich as we go through our journey with dementia. Rich has been struggling with understanding what he hears - the words don't connect and make sense to him. He is also having a difficult time with finding words to express himself. If an activity or conversation has happened in the recent past, he has no memory of it. It can be frustrating and confusing for me because I am never sure what he knows. I am learning to ask him if he understands what I am telling him.  When he struggles to find the words to tell me something - I don't jump in right away and provide the words for him. I often put a reassuring hand on his leg or arm that lets him know that I'm in no hurry and he can take his time expressing his thoughts. I am also learning not to expect him to remember ANYTHING (because he doesn't). Our cat, Henrietta was sleeping in our room and it was making sleep miserable for me because I am allergic to cat dander. We had been talking about it for days. On Wednesday I washed all of our bedding and vacuumed the carpet. I relocated the cat box and her food to the bonus room outside our bedroom. When I was busy downstairs making dinner, Rich put the cat box and Henrietta's food back in our bedroom and let her back in the room to sleep on our bed! He was perplexed that I protested her presence - he didn't remember that I was allergic and needed her moved out. 

Rich didn't ask for this disease and he is navigating life in the best way that he can. I need to be loving and patient! I am giving thanks today for the privilege of putting my love for Rich into action - he is my partner and it is a joy to help him on this journey. 

Lord, help me to remember that you will never leave us or forsake us and you will help us to live with joy if we focus on your goodness to us.

Thanksgiving isn't just a day that we celebrate once a year but an attitude that we can have all year long.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Psalm 100:1-5

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.


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