Kelley Irwin

One day this week (Mar 2024), Dad said “This was the best day.”

We are 16 months post the formal medical diagnosis of dementia.

We had fun, laughs, jokes, and activity. So much happiness my heart was bursting.

It was also tiring. Being a care partner takes effort – mentally, physically and emotionally – to make things look and feel easy for all involved, and focus on the goal of everyone enjoying our time together.

Mom and I took Dad for a haircut, went out to eat, and sat outside in the sun. These activities that would have taken about 90 minutes before Dad was ill took 3.5 hours. Walking to the car, helping with the seatbelt, getting in and out of the hairdresser door and in and out of the barber chair, seated at a picnic table with benches that don’t move (fairly easy), and getting back out (extremely hard).

It is still surprising to me when Dad fluctuates from knowing exactly what to do and where to step to a moment later asking me if he should move his foot now. It catches me off guard.

Dad loves to get his haircut and then to critique the results. He was very happy with the cut this time. He said he could really go for a good hotdog. 🌭 So we did. Ketchup, mustard, relish, and onions. He ate every bite! When we sat outside, he said my new jacket looked very nice. Then asked if he could wear it. Of course, I gave it to him and said it matched his blue eyes. 👀 I don’t think I’m getting it back!

I smiled as I reflected on this day. It was indeed the best.