Obviously, people with dementia go through stages of decline. But, the decline is not everything that happens.
My dad has been at a very nice place for at least the past four months. He is fascinated and pleased with everything he sees. His birthday is in late November. He turned 90. And, he really didn't understand the significance of the birthday but he loved the presents he received from members of the family which were really everyday things or gag gifts.
This past Christmas was probably our most joyful ever because he was elated that the whole family stopped by at the same time and he was given an old pair of shoes that had new soles put on them and an old wrist watch sporting a new battery. His innocent joy was powerful, touching and memorable.
Before this innocent gleefulness phase, he was in a different phase, one in which many of the people of the world lie, cheat and steal.
We love this version, obviously.
We know that he will decline and that his memory will deteriorate further and he will change but we will never forget this time. It is a wonderful gift that can never be taken away from us.
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