HAPPY 88th BIRTHDAY, DAD

 Dad thought 88 was pretty old, but he really enjoyed his birthday party.

 There was lots of cake and plenty of friends to share it with.

 He got a little teary eyed.

 Dad's bulletin board in his room.

Mom's room--she puts her own pictures up.

Glen Campbell

Mom's new mode of transportation

 Mom was so happy today. She laughed and held my hands when she saw me and said, "Here's my daughter!" It was a precious moment for me. I was surprised to see her in the wheelchair, but she seemed to like it a lot.

Bob ambled over to visit with mom...he is rather flirty, or is it she? He and mom just get along so well. Bob is a fun person who likes to laugh and tease. Mom still has her charisma, I guess.

A Song

Visit with Joe, Bethany and Joshua

Our visit yesterday was one of the best in the past year.

As mom saw us coming in the door her face lit up with a happy smile.

She was full of kisses and hugs for the children.

Another resident, Flo, was just as happy as mom and took Joshua to be her own, I think. I was truly amazed as I had never heard Flo say one meaningful sentence, but as she was with the children she said, "Isn't he cute?" "He is such a good boy."  She asked Bethany if she went to church!!and there were more good sentences.

Children bring out all the good memories in the dementia patient.

I know Flo had sons so perhaps a 2 year old boy was a wonderful trip back in time for her.

 Bethany had not remembered Mom and Dad from a happier time--but as we were leaving and getting in the car she said, "I really like them."

 Here is Flo welcoming Joshua.

 Dad asked Bethany many questions--like how old was she? Did she do any cooking? and his favorite, "why didn't you comb your hair?" We forgive him for that, don't we Bethany?

He cried a few times and called her Anna more than once--but he was happy and knew these were people who belonged to him.

 Joshua took Flo for a walk--or did she take him? Anyway, he usually stays right with his dad, but was intrigued with Flo.

 Mom just loved him--he was saying "HI" to everyone and waving.

 Joshua loved the wheelchair and wanted to take a ride in it. I offered but he wanted Joe to take him. When Joe wouldn't Joshua started to cry. Dad said," aren't you too big a boy to cry over something like that?" Well, dad has always been Mr. Blunt, but it did quiet Joshua down, I think,

Great visit--

Mom and Dad were looking good.

Anyone wanting to visit should try to get up this summer..