The kids and I took Tipper to visit my dad yesterday (9/18). Dad seemed to really perk up! Unfortunately, I had forgotten the meal schedule so we arrived just in time for dinner. Tipper's nose was going wild while trying to maneuver a place at the table. For those wondering, she was unsuccessful!
Dad's apartment has a great covered porch area where we visited. The kids were entertained by the 4 large turtles in the garden area. I'm not sure which turtle is pictured below, but Ms. Ginny gave the kids a quick intro, calling the turtles by name.
Dad commented that this was a "different Tipper". I reassured him that this is his dog...the same Tipper. She has dropped a few pounds as is expected when moving in with a dietitian. Ha! Tipper is actually getting around much easier now. She has evidence of arthritis, but she stands with more ease now. Only recently has she become comfortable enough to wag her tail and greet me at the door with our 2 dogs.
The garden area has a little walking trail and vegetable garden. Dad seems to really enjoy walking Tipper and doing what he has done for so long. He says he experiences moments of unsteadiness occasionally, but he seems to handle Tipper on a leash rather well. I handed her leash over the moment he finished dinner and he hung onto her throughout the visit.
I have not yet taken Dad off the community's property, but hope to soon. I've learned with Alzheimer's, the time needed to settle and acclimate can be weeks or even months. Dad has been comfortable enough to walk me to the exit door. He even held it open for me and the kids as we left with Tipper yesterday. The nurse at the community took Dad on a little "field trip" a couple weeks ago (9/5). Dad's community is conveniently located across the street from Whataburger. So the nurse walked Dad across the street for a burger and Dad went back in the community without a hesitation. The great part is that Dad remembered this as special and has talked about it a couple times since then. One of the directors sent me the picture below of Dad and Chris on their adventure. Chris and I had talked the week before about my desire to take dad off site, but staff and I were not yet confident that Dad would be able to come back to his apartment with complete ease. I'm so thankful for this nurse who was willing to walk Dad out and "test the waters". The last thing any of us wants to do is cause undue stress for dad and increased confusion. This trip gave me hope that our day of outings is nearing.
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This is a picture from 9/6 in the smaller garden. I've tried to be dilegent in taking pictures so family and friends can see that Dad is doing well. Sometimes I catch an eye roll from him when I whip out my phone or camera, but he obliges.
I have not been to visit Dad as much over the past week as I've been working to get my mom settled. She is now in Texas, living nearby at a peaceful facility to help her heal and recover. Mom is not (yet) her talkative, smiling self from the past, but there's always room for healing. I hope and pray she is able to enjoy life again soon. I've been able to take her out to lunch and for a quick trip to Walmart. Mom is not at a place of accepting visitors or phone calls. She has seen the grandkids once, which was a sweet time for them all. Everything is new here, so I'm going slow (or trying to anyway). Just praying hard for a miracle and waiting in anticipation!
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."
Psalm 33:20
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