Monday, October 22, 2007

Caregiving: across the cognitive universe

Across the cognitive universe from the previous FiOS entry to Patti’s world, I was greeted by “Thank God you’re here. I was so bored!” when I picked her up from her care facility for dinner and an evening at home tonight.

 

Yes, such a greeting tugs at the heart strings. Second guessing yourself never ends.

 

I have learned, however, to take the time to discover what “really” has been happening in her day because her greeting though poignant is a 'knee jerk' verbal response.

 

For example, Patti’s afternoon hours today had been occupied with bowling, Texas hold-em poker, a visit from her parents and trivia pursuit game, and some activity called parachute popcorn. Yet Patti could remember nothing.

 

Memory loss can create a different kind of boredom. You can occupy Patti non-stop but if she cannot remember it then is she, or is she not bored?

 

It is the kind of question that borders on the proverbial query, does a tree make a sound if it falls in the forest and no one hears it. Except Patti is not ‘rhetorical’.

 

Living with Multiple Sclerosis as a family, it is not unusual on any given day to find ourselves drifting across the cognitive universe.

 

Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer

http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer

http://www.myspace.com/patrickleer

4 comments:

  1. to her she is bored, and you are her knight in shining armor:) its tough and thank you for sharing

    Deb

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  2. While I was reading your entry, the chicken/egg, (which comes first?) popped into my head just before I read your tree/fall/sound! Must be the north and south versions! <grin>

    Of course, my guess is that Patti knows she will have a wonderful time when she is with you! Does she remember living in the house?  I know it is probably a strange question, but she has been at the care facility for some time now.

    Have a great Tuesday!
    Jackie

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  3. There's a tiny bit of bittersweetness in that kind of thing.  It must be the same kind of feeling you get when being ignored, a sadness.........but she has full days, no-one can fault the trying of it :)

    Stunned!! at your car. I'd have fainted being faced with a Trooper from sheer confusion.  Am glad it was only metal that got hurt but!! that metal is a trusty friend so I hope they get em :) Rache

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  4. (((((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU))))))))))))))))))Just stoped by to say hello and have a nice day.

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