Dad's 84th Birthday

  We celebrated  dad's birthday Sunday at the care center. I'm not sure it meant anything to him but it made us feel better. We were a little worried that the confusion of everyone there would make him anxious or upset, but he seemed very calm and content as 2 dogs, 4 great grandkids, a new great grand baby and his children and grandchildren surrounded him. 

The only things that dad responds to besides sweets are babies. I think Anikka's baby Charlie was a hit. I love this four generation photo. 

Because dad still loves sweets and we cannot have a birthday party without cake, I made Applesauce Cake with raisins, toasted pecans and cream cheese lemon frosting. I normally don't get to make it with raisins and nuts because too many people don't like lots of noogies in their cake but dad has alway loved it that way. Shelley made a layered chocolate cake with milk chocolate butter cream frosting. 

Dad's adventurous spirit, his non judgemental manner, the way he taught us to fish, ski and be better human beings, his wanting to spend his free time with mom and his children and his love of the gospel are the things that make him a wonderful dad.  How lucky were are. 

Mom and I were both dressed in black and white. Can you tell we are mother and daughter? We even have the same hair color. 

Ball, Anyone?

I took mom to see dad today. When we got there he was sound asleep in his favorite chair.  We couldn't wake him up. Debbie, the activities director, came in and got all the residents who were able as well as visitors in a circle and pulled out a small beach ball. She then started bouncing the ball to the  people in the circle. 

It was a very bittersweet activity. As soon as dad saw the ball he woke up and started to play. He would catch the ball and throw it back with a spin. It was a very conscious throw, like he knew exactly what he was doing. I saw a hint of the father I know and love in that throw. 

I saw more animation and life in the residents playing this simple game that I had ever seen before. 90 year old Colleen, who is almost always grumpy came out of her room to play and smiled and tossed the ball to mom who is so nice to her.  Norma, who thinks she personally knows the queen and prince jumped up to chase the ball whenever it got away. Elva, a small redhead with long lacquered nails and vacant eyes had a gentle smile on her face the whole time. Karen, who see things and talks to people only she can see threw the ball with gusto. And Renee, the newest resident played with her faithful husband Pete. Her dementia is not as bad as others in the memory unit, but the signs are there. 

I caught a glimpse of what these lost souls must have been like before their minds betrayed them. I think I would have enjoyed knowing them. 

Dirty feet

Weeded for a hour and a half in the yard this morning.  I really should wear shoes and socks, but I like the feel of the cool wet grass, warm earth and air on my toes.  It is hard on the pedicure, though. People ask if my yard is a lot of work. I guess it is, but I enjoy it, so it doesn't seem like work. Doing the dishes does.