February 2, 1993. This entry could be started the way the last one ended. Especially bad is mother's walking. Actually, she is unable to walk without assistance. Don't like to think of a wheel chair; we'll see.
April 5. Two months since last entry and Joan's condition continues to deteriorate slowly. But there are daily variances. Two days ago La Donna walked with mother down the alley and back up the front walk with very little help. Yesterday after walking less than half that distance she collapsed as we got into the house. Today she slept most of the time La Donna was here and then continued to sleep until awakened for supper. She hasn't fallen lately; that's because she never walks alone or seldom tries to get out of a chair.. The ending of the December 27th entry still applies.
April 28. Tonight we watched the 10 o'clock news and when we headed for the bedroom mother's right leg would just drag almost as if it was paralyzed. By much pushing and pulling and many stops we finally got to the bed. "Whew", she said and smiled. What a gal! And today started out fine. This morning LaDonna made her breakfast: scrambled eggs, apple sauce, raisin bread toast, two glasses of orange/prune juice and grapefruit; she ate it all. Tonight she ate all of the Mobile Meal. Never thought the day would end on such a down experience, after such a great start. We'll see if she is able to walk tomorrow.
May 3. The unthinkable of Feb. 2nd today became a reality; I bought a wheelchair. I explained to mother this wasn't really a wheel chair, it was a chariot and we'll use it to visit far off, exotic and exciting places; like our back alley. I'll be the pilot and navigator. Mother smiled and said, "Yes, Yes!" She always was ready to go traveling. The chariot is a big help in getting mother to the table or bedroom. LaDonna frequently rides her to the playground to watch and listen to the actvity.
May 22. Birthdays over! Dave and Diane make a super effort to make it. pleasant for us. Laura, Sam and Grant were here for my birthday. Laura baked rye bread and made a terrific salad; can't believe she's become domesticated. Great gal. Dan, Sarah and kiddies were here for a few days; appreciate the special effort they made to get here.
June 7. Jerry's birthday: 58. It seems like yesterday that Adeline and I took mother to the Sheboygan Memorial Hospital. Much of the last 10 days were spent in the dentist's office. Both of us have had work done. Mother's the most extensive, involving two root canals. So far everything went well. Mother takes the experience of dental work in stride. She's a favorite with Dr. Shurtz and his crew of technicians. The Home Care Agency assigned another aide, Lisa, she will be here Thursdays and, hopefully, every other Saturday. She is very able, well trained and relates well to mother. I've asked for an aide for each day. This week 5 days will be covered; seems there is a shortage of aides. Tentatively it's been arranged for me to take off for a few days at the end of the month; I'll head for some lake in Idaho. Hope it works out; we'll see.
November 10, 1993. The 5 month hiatus was caused by a computer virus. For factors beyond my understanding and control the computer went dead everytime I tried to access mother's file. Only that file created a blank response. In an incredible display of understanding of computer ailments Danny diagnosed and, via telephone, resuscitated the Sanyo and got it to respond to its master's (me) commands. Truly a whiff of magic permeated my study. So, to catch up.
My R & R took me to Sandpoint, Idaho. I wanted to be near a lake, and Sandpoint is on Lake Pend Oreille; it's imposing, picturesque and cold. Not at all user friendly like MEDICINE LAKE. The food was very good and I did relax, knowing that mother was well taken care of by Jerry and Sherry.
Mother's condition continues to follow the Alzheimer pattern; no pattern, just a series of different experiences without a connecting thread. Guess that must be the problem with the mind; no connections. Certainly in the intervening five-month period one noticeable change; she sleeps much more and needs more help in eating and walking. Last night at bedtime she wasn't able to walk to bed. Luckily, the wheel chair was available. In fact she couldn't walk from the bathroom to the bed. In the morning she was again walking, but less well.
During the computer timeout our 59th anniversary came and went. Dave & Diane provided pleasant and comforting reminders. In October we had a most pleasurable surprise; a brief visit from Elaine and Gert. It was wonderful to have them here and to see their interaction with Joan. Also in October there was another change in aides; La Donna quit (twice within a 3 week period). It seems that she is taking some classes at a local business school. Whether she will be able to survive on half a pay check remains to be seen. She was a good aide.
Her replacement, Cindy Hobbes, is in class by herself. She is
extremely efficient, caring, capable and very eager to do what ever is
necessary. If she has a fault, it is that she does too much.
Hope she is able to stay and continue even half as good.