Robinson Ramblings

August 1 - The happiest memories I have. This is very difficult to pinpoint but the top four memories would be my marriage to Richard Stearns Robinson on June 17, 1978; the births of Rebecca Joy on February 23, 1980, Hollie Elizabeth on March 25, 1982; and lastly, Kelly Lynae on December 2, 1985. I have practiced gratefulness for many years so there are so many other memories I could name, however, one fairly recent memory comes to mind. On March 11, 2025, Rich had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Maxwell at the south clinic. Rich was more engaged in conversation and "sharper" than he had been for many days. " He had been having lots of trouble with eating on his own and he did not like it if I helped him when we were out in public. However, I decided that we both needed a "date" so I took him to his favorite restaurant, Don Jose. The food was good but we especially loved sitting on the screened in patio while enjoying the beautiful view of Lake Jackson. I ...

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. It was a good day because I actually got some sleep the night before. My life has been in a fog lately because Rich has been "sundowning" which means that he is agitated, experiences hallucinations, and wakes up (if he is indeed even sleeping) all night long. Often he talks aloud, beats out a rhythm on me or our bed in the middle of the night (to a tune only he can hear), gestures wildly, and gets up and wanders around the house. Because of this, I often doze lightly and wake as soon as he moves. He is struggling with using the toilet, eating, brushing his teeth, taking pills, etc. I help him with all of his grooming, dressing, and showering. He thanks me for taking such good care of him and although he sometimes "fights" me when I try to help him, he is usually sweet tempered and grateful. I truly love taking care of him but I am exhausted. I am not typically a good napper anyway but now even when I desperately need a nap, I'm...