“Big Deal,” Dad said after Heather and I helped him move from one chair to another yesterday.  I wondered what word to use instead of “said” in that previous sentence:  was it “groused” or “enthused?”  For Heather and me, it was “delighted,” because Dad is stronger every day and doing more of the work of moving himself.  For Dad, it might be “this is really something, isn’t it? Being pleased I can actually push myself up? Big deal/little thing.”  His few steps one day are doubled in territory covered the next, so yes, big deal!

It’s hard to tell what Dad is thinking, at least for me.  He’s not giving us a running commentary.  Sometimes he reads the newspaper and talks a little about the news.  Sometimes I read him things people have sent and he says nothing.  As Heather and I wheeled him to the door, he glimpsed Heather’s dog through a window and in strong voice commented on that.  Wes and Toby called yesterday, and they said they got snippets of his humor.  Dad has had more visitors, which is very welcome.

Lois Henderson brought a lentil dish and muffins and helped Heather with a chore or two.  Thanks!  Heather also wrote to me last night: “Lots happening today, and help from people: Don Ross brought homemade frozen lasagna; Jim Johnsen visited; Lois; Jim Cheydleur brought cookies his wife Diane made; Rob Mulford helped with evening watch & conversation while J & H outside, and conversation with J while H doing this.”

I, Chena, went to the Ridge yesterday in the morning for a wee bit, then back home.  After Alzheimer Support Group at noon today, I’ll be back up to kick around with Dad, Mom and Heather on the Ridge.  Marilyn, who worked as a part time care giver to Dad before his hospitalization, returned to work today and is a great help to us for a couple of hours several mornings a week.   I’m hoping Heather can have more time for herself this week, and maybe if Dad’s “big deals” give him more autonomy, Heather will have more too.

–Chena