Is it all just a con? ...maybe not

Well Christmas Day 2012, as usual we are hosting parents. Dinner is eaten, although that is no reflection on my cooking skills. I'm a trier not a chef!

In an attempt to engage my dad we bought the logo game to play after lunch.

It has items going back to the 1970s and so he stood a chance. But what a Motley Crüe! (Pun intended)

It was like a bizarre dream. Not one person at the table had all 5 senses in tact, one is deaf, one can't see, one has no sense of smell and so it goes on, all whilst my husband took pride of place on the floor as his back gave out lifting my eldest sons present!

However logos we played, and he gave my children a lasting memory. He had not got a clue when it came to questions but when my mum was asked a question and answered "I can't hear"

He replied "what did you say?" After winking at me !

He may not remember much but his sense of humour remains.

And........breathe

I remember coming home from school and college to the smell of strange burning. I got used to it.  It meant excitement.
Strange to those not involved, maybe...

But to me......

My dad was making a new fancy dress costume!!!

For a burly builder he sure did a mean line in fancy dress and entertainment. An anchor of the golf club I have witnessed him as a Supreme, the guy riding an emu and Sweetums from the muppets! Yes life size versions.  All in the name of the new year s eve party. He loved a party..... But more he loved to entertain others.

He handcrafted these out of blocks of foam, fake fur, wood, glitter........in fact anything he could muster.

So today what is he doing. He is sat in respite care listening to carols and being confused.

What do we, his family,  do..... breathe...........

This is (nt) the life.

Imagine dozing off for 20 seconds and waking not remembering anything before that. Scary, indeed.

I witnessed the rapid progression of dementia this afternoon as I visited my parents. Their friendly mechanic, who they have known for 10 years had come to do maintenance on the car. Dad watched him through the window and yet when he came in the house it was like an unexpected visitor to dad. He stood having a chat with mum and dad  for some 15 minutes, he is such a nice bloke.

During this time I noticed dad nod off for a few seconds. He then came to when he heard his name. His eyes wide he knew there was someone else there but didn't know who is was.

This is getting much worse. He can't remember eating, what he should do at what time of day or whether he is hot or cold. He dresses according to whim and not weather. He eats but forgets and then eats again, the little Christmas shopping mum has done has already been consumed.

But I think the lowest point this week is when he said to mum as she helped him out of bed
 " This is no life" she was gutted.