Update - April 24

We continue to be concerned about the possibility of Dad driving. He seems to be aware most of the time that he is not suppose to drive. But he still thinks about it from time to time. Yesterday, Kay took him to 9:00 Mass, then they went to Meijer to pick up a few things. He also wanted to go to McDonalds, so she took him there. But when they got home and pulled in the driveway, Dad said "Why don't you leave the car out, I may go for a ride later." Kay reminded him that he is not supposed to drive, but he rationalized that the he thinks he has adjusted to the medication and not driving was just the doctor's idea anyway.
People always tell us to take away his car keys. But that is easier said than done. Each time he comes out of church, the store, etc., he unlocks the passenger side himself to get in. And Dad's car is a big part of his identity. We have thought about trying to get a key that would unlock the door but not start the ignition.
I just want to mention too how lucky we all are to have Kay helping Dad out. It's not an easy job and takes an enormous amount of patience.

Update - April 22

Kay was talking with one of the seniors at church recently who commented that she had nine children. She was telling Kay that when her one daughter calls, she tells her mom she is #4. That sounded like a great idea. The other evening Dad was asking me who that nice person is who helps him out so much during the day. I was telling him that it is Kay, but he still looked confused. I told him #4 (coincidence that it was the same #) of Dennis, Paul, etc. He got that right away. I did make him a list also with the names in order and put a star by Kay. I noticed he still keeps that card by his TV chair. Just a suggestion if Dad is unsure who you are at times.

Update - April 13

It's been a little over a year now since Dad has stopped driving.....for the most part. In addition to his forgetfulness/confusion and the pain medication that he takes, he dozes off easily at times. Kay, Pat, and I use to meet weekly to come up with a plan for the following week for getting Dad to church, doctor appointments, shopping, etc. Now that Pat is very busy with school and work, Kay handles much of the transportation. He rarely talks about driving now. On Friday (a day Dad was especially confused) Kay, Pat, and I had the, now rare, opportunity to meet for coffee at McDonalds. While both Kay and I were gone Dad decided to take a drive. We are not positive whether he forgot he doesn't drive or he thought it was his best opportunity while both Kay and I were gone. We are going to try harder to not be gone at the same time.

On Saturday, Dad went with me to take Easter cookies to some of the seniors from church. Kay was visiting Bobby in Indy, and I didn't want to leave him alone. I was amazed that he agreed to ride along. He had such a good time!

Last night when I went over to get Dad organized before bedtime, I reminded him that I was going back to school today because my spring break was over. He smiled and said, "I didn't know you started your spring break." :)

Update April 5, 2009

Dad had another doctor appointment this week. He had his nose looked at where he had previously had a sore. They had thought it might be cancer, but it appeared to have healed up. So he goes back in three months to have it checked again.

Dad's hardest days are Sundays. Since he goes to Mass on Saturday evenings and there is no mail delivery on Sunday, he doesn't have much to structure his day. I think that is the day that he most misses mom.

When he and Kay got back from church last Friday, he checked each of the rooms looking for Mom. Sometimes he gets a little confused between Mom and me.

Dad is still considering woodworking and was looking through a catalog that came the other day. He has talked about planting flowers in his little front yard area. A couple Sundays ago we got his bushes trimmed up and the old leaves cleared, etc. In May, we may plan a day to get his yard area ready for summer.

I'll try to post more frequently!