Kelley Irwin

One day this week (Sep 2023), Dad and Mom went to the zoo.

They had lovely weather, a cold drink and a snack, and sightings of many animals. Dad proudly wore his sunglasses and his Irwin Racing hat, chatted with strangers, and had an all around happy day.

This trip warms my heart because it’s been a rough couple of weeks with Dad.

 He thought Mom was shot 6 times, with one #bullet in the face. (There was no shooting)

 He thought his mom was in the hospital and needed to go see her. (She died over 25 years ago)

 He thought his legs didn’t work and wouldn’t get out of bed. (2 hours later he was up and dressed and walking again)

 He sometimes thinks he has been all alone and nobody cares about him. (He is never alone and so many people care about him. He sees people in person every day and talks on FaceTime with family members every day.)

He thought he hadn’t eaten all day and wondered why. (He ate breakfast and dinner and skipped his lunch, choosing two cookies and a drink instead)

We are eleven months after a formal medical diagnosis of dementia.

My heart hurts when he is distressed, especially because it is over things that are not actually happening.

My heart swells when he is experiencing joy.

These two weeks have been difficult – for him, for Mom, for me. I feel more aware of the #progression of this disease than ever before. Keep Dad in your thoughts.