It was once mentioned that any topic could be used for a blog post, that it could be about what was going on in our lives. Here goes:
My father will be 82 this August. He’s always been the one that I’ve turned to for advice and comfort when something was bothering me. Besides being my father he is also my friend as we have interests in common. But now that relationship is changing. His mind is being destroyed by senile dementia. He is aware that this is happening and it is tearing me up to watch him try to adjust.
I’ve been told that there is medication that can slow this down but he refuses to go to a doctor for this or for any other reason. So am trying to figure out what to do next. I just contacted my sister and she is going to come out in a month to see if she can talk him into seeing a doctor.
Anyway, this is where I am in life right now and one of the reasons I have been such a negligent blogger. I can’t hope for this to change because it won’t. I can hope that I adjust to this so that I can continue with my WIP.
Claude Mary
Smart Women 
Oh, Claude Mary–my heart goes out to you. Two years ago, my sister and I faced similar problems with my father. Maybe I haven’t walked your exact path, but I was on one, so I know how hard life is for you right now.
Continue your writing if you can, or journal, or write absolute nothing. Do what you need to get through each day. I found some things I’d written in a notebook during long days spent in the hospital after Daddy had his umpteenth stroke. I look at the scribble, don’t bother to read, then put it away for another day.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, and your RWI sisters are here for your too.
Claude Mary, honey, I am so sorry you are struggling with this. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and will pray very hard that your father will go to the doctor and get the medicine he needs. It may not stop the process, but it could slow it down.
I agree that you should write down what you are feeling. It will help to get it out. Another thing you might do is write down all of your favorite stories from your Dad. Anything you want to remember get it down now. I did that with my grandmother and I am SO glad I did. I have recordings of her telling her famous bedtime stories and all of the cousins begged for copies.
At our family reunion I always have a notebook set up for family members to write down their favorite stories and even family recipes.
Now is the time to cherish every good memory, every laugh, everything that makes your Dad and your family unique. If he can’t keep the memories, you keep them for him.
(((BIG HUG ))) to you!
CM, I really feel for you. I pray that you get through this trying time and that your dad gets the meds he needs. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs– Ashlynn
Claude Mary,
I’m so sorry about your dad. My parents are aging and my mom has started to really lose her snap. It’s hard to watch and harder to deal with. When parents have to be treated like children again, well, I guess the circle of life is complete. I hope you can get your dad to the doctor. I’ve heard some of the new meds are really helpful. spw
CM–having just finished dealing with my dad, I totally understand. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Marilyn, Sandee and Jackie,
Sorry about the lateness of this reply. I want to thank all of you for your comments. My sister has managed to talk him into going to the doctor. So he has an appointment scheduled. He is doing better. I guess cognitive functions fluctuate, but we won’t know anything until he actually has his appointment.
Claude Mary