Just Happy to Be Here

I spent General Conference week in Mexico with Jayne and Dave at their beach house in Rocky Point. I also went with mom and dad. In a way it was an experiment to see how well mom and dad travel with dad's dementia and mom's chronic fatigue and pain.

Mom did about how I expected; she was tired and hurting but enjoyed the company, attention and meals that we cooked for her. It was dad I was interested in watching. We wondered if his dementia would get worse with the confusion of traveling.

Mom and dad on the beach

I caught of glimpse of my old dad one afternoon as he and mom watched a flock of pelicans on the Sea of Cortez. "Oh my word," he said with a delighted laugh as he watched the pelicans diving for fish. I have heard him say that countless times in the past when he saw something that amazed or surprised him.

Mom and dad in the 70s

Dad loves being around family, his face lights up when ever he sees any of his children and grandchildren. And especially the greats (great grandchildren.)  Alison and Brandon and their little boy Russell come down from Tucson for the last half of the week. While they were there Russell learned how to walk. We all looked on with familial pride as he toddled from one piece of furniture to another. I looked over at dad as he was watching Russell and asked him if he was glad came, he looked at me as if it was a silly question and said "Of course I am."

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Jayne, Dave, Alison and Brandon with baby Russell

Dad still had (and has) times he didn't know what to do and wasn't sure where he was, but I look at him and he is still my dad. I see frustration in his eyes as he chokes on something or tries to remember something or what to do.  His dementia has taken away his medicine, his brilliance and many memories, but he is a kind gentle soul, mostly happy with where he is at.

I hope as I age I can learn from my dad, not notice anything but the good and say, "I'm just happy to be here."