A Night at the Theatre

Last Thursday dad and I went to a film screening of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington being shown at the William G. McGowan Theatre at The National Archives. Special guest Robert Osborne Historian and host of Turner Classic Movies was in attendance and gave an introduction to the movie. We had a great time. I had seen the movie before but never like this. It was really neat to see Jimmy Stewart and the beautiful Jean Arthur up on the big screen.It was a free program that I read about a few weeks ago in the paper.

I knew dad would love it, and he really did. I cherish these special moments we spend together, and the sparkle he has in his eye on happy days like this. It's such a blessing.

No News is Good News

When ever I check the mail dad always asks if there is anything for him. If I reply "no" he often says "Well no news is good news". Ain't that the truth. I haven't posted in a while which is a good thing. There hasn't been much to report because things have been going a lot smoother lately. Dad's doctor has put him on an anti-depressant called Citalopram and it has really helped A LOT. My dad's mood is much more positive and we are communicating better. It has taken a lot of the strain off of our visits and I am actually enjoying our time together more, and I think he feels the same way. So I am very happy about that.

God Bless

Father of the Bride

One of the worst things about this disease is that the suffers unfortunately lose much of who they are. He is still in the fairly early stages of AD, so these personality changes are not really recognized by others. Friends say "well he is old and that is how older people are", and that may be true. But I can see him slipping away.

My father and I were once very close, well we are still close but things have changed between us. There is a tension there that didn't exist before. Like I said I am an only child, daddy's little girl. Now that I am not only his daughter but also caregiver, dietitian, secretary, accountant, therapist, and mother; we don't get along as well any more and it makes me really sad :(

I am getting married next year and I really want my dad to be there. I want him to walk me down the aisle, and kiss me on the forehead. I want to dance with him to "What a Wonderful World" and have the whole room oh and ah. Sure he will be there physically, but I'm not sure about mentally. I wish I could go back 10 years to the way we were back then.