Kelley Irwin

One day last week (June 2024), Dad and I had a rambling conversation.

Dad: I was thinking of a good burger.

Me: Okay, let’s plan to get one tomorrow.

Dad: Yes, unless I go to J-A-I-L.

Me: Why would you go to jail?

Dad: I violated the rules in the golf game yesterday.

…Pause as I don’t know what to say.

Dad: Do you like my shirt? I have three like this and I wear them to court.

Me: Did the people at court like your shirt?

Dad: They don’t care what I wear.

…I look at my watch.

Dad: Do you have somewhere to go?

…This is a sentence my Dad has said to me since I was a teenager any time I look at the time.

Dad: I was thinking about a nice cold Pepsi. That would taste good today.

Me: Okay, I’ll get you one. Let me take your picture first because you and Mom both look so nice.

It has been 18 months since we received a formal medical diagnosis of #dementia.

Some days, like this one, Dad is very windy (chatty). Other days, he can barely whisper his words. I’ll gladly take both.