On Friday we went off to Cumberland Day Program to see if Don would accept it better than he did a similar program a couple of years ago, which he still remembers as “that place you were trying to leave me in.”
We went in the back way, avoiding most of the nursing home vistas, and Don seemed to enjoy the morning although he refused to participate in the games due to fear of failure. (I think after awhile he will be ok because the atmosphere is very kind.) He came home saying “Those are people who are trying to do a good thing,” but by early afternoon he did not even remember the experience. That is actually good news, because if he had found it traumatic in any way, he would remember.
For me, the shock was watching him in a situation where he had to function somewhat without me, and realising how very handicapped he is. He had to be helped to put sugar in his coffee by another guest (not too sure how that worked out!).
I realise I have been probably hiding the extent of his disability from myself because we are always in a familiar environment and I am always doing things for him. I feel strange, as if we are moving into a whole new experience and I need a lot of time to process it.
I wonder too if he is going downhill faster than I can keep up. It will be interesting to see what other people think after next weekend when we are having company.
I am not even sure if he is well enough for the day program and will have to discuss that with the co-ordinator next week.
Certainly we will try because he badly needs the stimulation and the experience.
CaringCV 
Thanks for the news update! Wow a whole new chapter! So glad that he managed it. You are so honest D. You are teaching me lots!My Love seems to be going downhill in some areas faster than he has been in the past. In the meantime I feel myself going downhill with him on a “bad” day.
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My Dear Delores, You have been on my mind and in my heart all weekend….I am delighted that the time at Cumberland Lodge went so very well. “Those are people who are trying to do a good thing,” says it all to me. I am so proud of both of you for this good and useful giant step forward. For sure it is a whole new experience. A very brave transition, a very real “letting go step” that will allow Donnie to settle into his group of kind folks who will come to know him and to love him. They are of” like mind” and enjoy great pleasure in helping one another. Although, Michael most always appeared “with it” because of his gentle mannerisms, in truth, he was likely further along on his journey than his comrades. And comrades they are! The beauty of this special space is that it doesn’t matter because they are all holding hands together…just as we are…..all doing our very best. I can “bearly” wait for you to feel “the breeze” when you have your first six hour day off! I remember it exquisitely! My love to you and to Donnie…..well done my friends! Love, Betty Anne XXOX From: CaringCV To: bammvm@yahoo.ca Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2015 2:53 PM Subject: [New post] Something to ponder #yiv2780498452 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv2780498452 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv2780498452 a.yiv2780498452primaryactionlink:link, #yiv2780498452 a.yiv2780498452primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv2780498452 a.yiv2780498452primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv2780498452 a.yiv2780498452primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv2780498452 WordPress.com | delores663 posted: “On Friday we went off to Cumberland Day Program to see if Don would accept it better than he did a similar program a couple of years ago, which he still remembers as “that place you were trying to leave me in.”We went in the back way, avoiding most of t” | |
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Thank you so much — it is so wonderful to have your friendships, and feel like there is company on this long journey.
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