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Saturday, October 24, 2009

The word game

intercom could be internet
snapple could be staples
applebees could be applegate
salami could be tsunami
vcr or dvd or hbo could be cvs
victrola could be radio

confusion rambles in his head
he knows what he wants to say
it is there but when the words
spill out they are not what
he thought them to be

he will stumble and look at me
trying to find the word I will
be patient hoping he can get it
himself but the confusion
takes over and I have to help

"give me more, show me" i say
he thinks of something else
or a name or just confusion
again "take your time it will
come to you" "goddamit" he says
"why can't I think of the word"

I try to think of our conversation
and what word he would be trying
to remember its like a puzzle and
i must find the missing piece he says
a few more words and bam i got it

he says "yes that's it, now why could
i not think of that" damn!

"its ok dad, that"s why you have me"

♥♥♥♥

82 comments:

scirish said...

1?

scirish said...

Woohoo!!!!

scirish said...

Carol...Has your Dad mentioned this to his doctor? I don't want to alarm you, but poor word retreival can be a sign that there has been a "mini" stroke. I believe they are called "TI's" It could also just be a symptom of getting older, but better to be safe.....

Lynn D said...

Morning Glories!

Congrats on first Scrishy!

Carol I have an Uncle going through this. I am constantly amazed by the patience his 13 year old granddaughter has with him. He can ask her the same question 10 times and she answers like it was the first time he asked.

She looked at my Aunt one day and said. He is my Grandpa and he can ask 20 times over and over and it does not matter.

Smart loving kid that one.

Your Dad is so lucky to have you.

scirish said...

Mary...What a sweet story about your ex-SIL. It sounds like she had a nice life filled with caring friends. Your ex sounds like one of my friends father. He didn't even go to her wedding. He has a severe social phobia which has become worse with age. He doesn't leave the house at all now. It's kind of sad, while he can be a total ass at times, he does have a wry sense of humour and could be fun to be around when he allowed it.

scirish said...

Ok...I can't hold it in anymore!!!! GUESS WHAT?????? We got our offer accepted on a fabulous house in Oceanside, CA!!! I am sooooo excited, but so very nervous as well. We couldn't have picked a worse time of the year to try and move us and three animals across the country. What makes it even harder is my cat hates SO's cat and our current plan is to have SO and his son drive all three of them in a marathon trip. That leaves me to fly out...ALONE! Not only am I a nervous flyer, but I don't know how my back is going to stand a 10 hour trip with another hours drive when I get there. Not to mention coordinating the movers. ACK!

bonachichi said...

Congrats, Scrish! Howdy Hooters!

Oh Carol... My heart goes out to you and your dad. It can be sad, time consuming and infuriating. It takes so much compassion and understanding to have the patience you show. What a wonderful daughter you are!

Maureen said...

Good morning LYNN and SCIRISH.

CAROL...I love reading about your family. I know you get frustrated, but you are such a kind and giving daughter. Yep, that's why he has you.

SCIRISH...how exciting about your move. And to such a beautiful place. When is the big day?

LYNN...that child is a gift! What a special bond they have.

MARY...your blog about your SIL was so lovely. It sounds like she had a beautiful spirit and was a treasure. You are, too.

SHIRLEY...did your sister ever show up? I hope you have fun at your Mum's party tomorrow.

I am still feeling poorly. There are a lot of people out sick at work, so I have been working long days. I am not 100% so it has been really tiring. Hopefully, I will be back posting regularly soon.

Have a great day, all.

Maureen said...

CHI CHI...good morning. You popped in while I was typing.

goldie said...

Good morning Hootrs!

Congrats on 1st scrishy!! Congrats on your good news. Just take it one thing at a time and it will all turn out ok.

Carol- it is so hard to watch our parents age and things change. Your dad is so lucky to have such a wonderful daughter-which you are!!

today I am off to go to a party this aternoon and a Daughtery concert tonight. Busy day, and going to have lots of fun.

Hope everyone had a great day and if you are ailing I hope you feel better too.

Hi Mo, Lynn, Bona and scrishy

sacBarb said...

Happy Saturday Owls.

Carol, You're so right - that's why your parents have you. You are a devoted daughter. It is so hard to watch our parents get older and the roles reverse. I think it is harder for them to accept their children as the caretakers. I got teary eyed reading your blog.

sacBarb said...

Scirish, Congrats on #1 and also on the big move. You are going to love CA. When is all this going to happen?

Waving a wing to Lynn, Bonacci, Mo, Goldie, and all the other Owls. Have a great Saturday.

whabbear said...

Scrishy!!! I didn't know you were planning to move to SoCal!!!! Let alone Oceanside! Congrats, and how fabulous!!!

Carol: What is the situation with you Dad? Is he starting to suffer from Dementia? Or is it just the natural word retrieval problems that happen to everybody as they age?

Mary: I loved your story yesterday too!

'weenie: I'm feeling poorly too.... not sure if this is just a head cold, or it's going to develop into something worse.

Obama just declared H1N1 a national emergency!

bonachichi said...

I hear all this riff-raff about H1N1, but I realized. that I don't know where it came from. Maybe just a strange flu strain? That's something I'm going to look into. If any of you medical owls know, I'd trust you as a source before something I see in the interweb

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Carol - What a beautiful blog. You are so lucky to still have your dad and even luckier that he has you.
It made me cry as I remembered how frustrated my mom would get when she couldn't remember. Yesterday I asked Jack how Kevin (our son) was, as they work together on our farm. He replied "He doesn't work on Fridays". With the patient tone in his voice I realized that I ask that same question every Friday and he answers the same reply. I thought "Oh God, I am getting just like my mom, it's too soon."

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Scirish - Congrats on being first. How are you feeling these days?

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Lynn - Please tell me how to fertilize neighbour's crops on FarmVille? I can't figure it out.

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Bonachichi - How's it going?

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Maureen - I hope you feel better soon.

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Whabbear - I hope you are also feeling better. Is H1N1 really that bad in the states. I think Canada is running behind but as usual we will catch up.

Just_Lin said...

Scirish Hey, congrats on #1 and double congrats on your new home in Oceanside. How exciting for you!

LynnD What a neat young lady!

Mo and Bear Hope you both feel better soon.

Goldie Sounds like you're going to be having a great day and evening. Enjoy!

SacBarb It's all wet and drizzling here. How are you doing up there?

Bonach Howdy right back atcha!

Carol That was a very touching blog. I know I've had those moments when I can't think of the word I want or can't remember an actor's name even though I can picture him in my mind very clearly. Fortunately, it doesn't happen to me very often but it is really frustrating when it does. You are a great daughter and I know it isn't always easy to be patient.

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Goldie - Have fun at the party.

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning SacBarb - Have a great weekend.

Tinkatia said...

Wishing all owls a healthy and safe weekend. Love, Tinka

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Just-Lin - We seem to make a habit of posting at the same time and missing each other.

Just_Lin said...

Tinka Sorry, I missed you. I left to go answer an email. Just tell Jack you forgot it was Friday. :)

Mary/MI said...

Making a quick fly-by as Mr Mary is tapping his foot. We have to set up our equipment at the Moose Lodge for tonight's gig. They are having another State Doubles Team Bowling banquet and we are the entertainment.

Carol, I bet it takes a lot of patience when he is going through this.I know you love him, but I bet it gets trying too.Hang in there, you will remember these times in the future as a fleeting moment in your memories of him.
Mr Mary just peeked in better go lol!!

whabbear said...

Thanks, Audrey and J/L! I'm not feeling any worse today than yesterday, so that's a good sign!

Audrey: LOL at your repeated question to Jack!

scirish said...

Thanks everyone for the congrats...I am so excited! Have been spending the afternoon going through stuff and throwing away a lot of accumulation. I've lived here for about 20 years and boy, do I have a lot of crap...

I'm not sure when the closing will be..I'm thinking the end of Novemberish. We may stay here for the holidays as the kids are not pleased that we are moving. Plus, I don't want to get caught in that whole holiday travel thing. On the other hand, I'm not keen on leaving that house empty as we don't know anyone that could check on it for us. So I guess it's kind of wait and see.

Tina~in_ut said...

yay! i get to meet scrishy...i get to meet scrishy.....well..that is...if she'll meet me~ :)~ congrats on first~

Carol~ oh your father is a dear soul~ i've had that problem for such a long time...the words just don't come....and names are worse~ He's so lucky to have you~

LynnD~ I feel agreeable today...how 'bout you? :)~

Bonachichi~ u gonna be home in two weekends? :D

MojoHOwitz~ I really hope you are well soon! it's just not right~

Goldie~ Have fun at the concert....just love Daughtery~

Mary~ have fun tonight~

Good Afternoon to HoBear :D, J/L, Tinka, and SacBarb~

scirish said...

I just put some pics on myspace!

Just_Lin said...

scirish Great house! Congrats, again!

night.owls.sb said...

Scirish...

Happy 1.. I had no idea you were thinking of moving.. and to CA no less.. Congrats.. I think its great news..

night.owls.sb said...

We have mentioned my dads forgetting of words to his doctor.. and all is ok.. it just comes with age.. so thanks to everyone with their concern..

Lynn..

My nephews are very patient with my father as well.. they say the same thing as the child.. they adore their grandfather..

night.owls.sb said...

Mo.. Sorry you are not still feeling well.. I am sending you a bunch of smiles and some vitamin C..

:O)

night.owls.sb said...

And you to Whabby.. feel better soon..

night.owls.sb said...

Mary..

Yes alot of patience is needed.. that a bottle of vodka..

:O)

night.owls.sb said...

Tinka..

Your comment touched my heart.. I am sure Jack will answer that question as many times as you ask.. and personally I say ask away..

night.owls.sb said...

Tina..

Hmmm.. I never see you having a problem with words.. Is this something new?

night.owls.sb said...

Goldie..

Daughtry.. as in American Idol Daughtry.. I love him.. I am so excited for you.. Please share the details I would love to know how his concert is..

Enjoy!

Tinkatia said...

43 - Up from my nap and drinking diet Coke. What a hard life I lead.

Tinkatia said...

Carol - Thanks for the kind words. I do worry about becoming my mom too soon.

Tinkatia said...

Scirish - I missed the story of your new house. Congratulations. I will look on back blogs to read about it. Some days I just can't seem to concentrate on reading. I just get lost on my farms.

Tina~in_ut said...

Carol~ it's a by-product of my seizure meds....started getting worse after the twins were born~ I seem to recall names better if I make one up for them.....sometimes...in my head....i call you Carlotta~ People are used to me forgetting words and I just describe what I'm trying to say....they probably think i'm odd...but hey....I am~

Tina~in_ut said...

Hi Tinka~

Tina~in_ut said...

I'll race yoU~

Tina~in_ut said...

49~

Tina~in_ut said...

50~

Tinkatia said...

Lynn - That was the hardest thing with my mom. Everybody had to be very careful to answer her questions as if she had never asked them before. The family was very good but some of the other patients who were not always kind would say "You just said that". Mom was getting so worried about it. It would break my heart when she would ask me if she repeats herself. I would tell her we all repeat stories. Her feelings could be so hurt.

Tinkatia said...

Mary - Have fun at tonight's gig.

Tinkatia said...

Tina - Looking at your picture I swear you get more beautiful every day.

Tinkatia said...

Goldie - I would love to be going to the concert with you. I love him. He really should have won A. I.

Tinkatia said...

Tina - I was just going to start racing to 50 and didn't know you had started running. You sneaky little girl. Good on you.

Tinkatia said...

I think I will dress up my fur babies and get their picture today. That is always fun. I did finally get my house decorated for Halloween. It just took a lot longer than usual.

Bebbilane said...

Scrishy: Congrats on first, but more importantly, congrats on your awesome news! I bet you are so excited! What an adventure! :)

Mo: Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. :(

Everyone: Hello and happy Saturday! I had a really productive one and I am so glad. :) I helped my sister for a couple of hours on her lawn today. Then, being motivated, I came home and trimmed my hedges too. I was so proud of myself today. I trouble shooted and got the mower working all my myself! I am so proud because that mower is 10 years old and it was just a proud moment to get it going. My sister used a leaf blower for the first time. When she struggled with it, she said, "That's funny, I am usually really good at blowing"..! LOL~!

bonachichi said...

Tina, I'll be traveling sometime during November; If you let me know what your plans are, I can probably manage some technical difficulties that force a delay if need be.

We worked in Utah last November; I don't think they'll do it again, just because "been there, done that". WTF is that Widowmaker? You guys are nuts.

Bebbilane said...

Tinka: I just dressed up Chloe in her cute little sparkly sweater and took her and bandit out for a walk. Bandit, of course, being a boy..he only likes to wear bandannas. :)

Bebbilane said...

Bonachichi: Can you force some technical delays that create a trip to Kentucky too?

Bebbilane said...

omg,,i have to do it.

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whew.

Bebbilane said...

bonachichi: Didn't the H1N1 start in Mexico?

bonachichi said...

Bebbi, I just happened to read your comment first on my fly-by. I did research the H1N1 virus. It's been around since the early 1900's. There have been several outbreaks of H1N1; this is not the first.

I also read a conspiracy theory (I'm always wary of those) that the virus was frozen in China or Russia. Then, somehow, it was released, causing a new outbreak either in the 1950's or 1970's. I don't remember which.

The latest outbreak of H1N1 did first show up in Mexico, but the bio-detectives aren't sure how it got there. It had to be imported somehow.

The point is, H1N1 isn't new. We've survived it before. The fact that so few people know this infers that maybe our media is hard at work, creating a global disaster. I was IN Mexico when it started. I didn't see a single sick person. I'm not an expert; I just know what I saw. Or didn't see.

bonachichi said...

Oh, Bebbi; just read your other post directed at me. One of my clients actually bought a race horse this past year. It's not Derby material, but I will certainly plant a seed about a Derby project. I'm just the worker bee. Someone smarter and more creative will have to figure out another new and exciting way to get us banned from yet another place.

bonachichi said...

Okay. Now I have an actual disaster. Ernie the fat Chihuahua got attacked by a Boxer today. The woman with the Boxer did not have him on a leash. She did nothing whilst I pulled her dog off of mine. The stupid bitch tried to tell me the blood dripping down my arm was NOT from her dog biting me whilst I was saving Ernie. That's not the disaster. The two stitches are nothing to me. We all know that.

The disaster will be the next time I see the stupid cow and shove my foot so far up her arse that it comes out of her mouth.

scirish said...

Bonachichi...OMG! Is your dog OK too? Do you know where she lives? I do believe I would report her.

scirish said...

I get to meet Tina????? That is well worth the move to CA ;-)

whabbear said...

Carol: Good to year.

Tina: I am NOT a ho! Oh. Wait. If you check out my latest FB comment, you might disagree! LOL!

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

Carol there seems to be a lot of us here who have or are looking after one or both of our parents. It's hard to watch them struggle, physically or mentally. All we can do is be there for them in whatever way they will let us. I learned that with Dad and now I'm learning it again with mum, but in a different way. Please give your Dad a hug for me. Here are some extras for you too (((((HUGS)))))

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

Congrats on 1st Scirish!

I'm going to bed soon so I will say good night to Scirish, Lynn D, Bonachichi, Maureen (sister came at 11 this morning...totally forgot me last night), Goldie, SacBarb, Whabbear, Tinka, Just Lin, Mary, Tina, Carol and Bebbi!

I hope that who ever is sick gets better soon.

bonachichi said...

Scrish, Oceanside is about 90 minutes by car from my CA home. In traffic. We'll be neighbors!

There is a slight problem with reporting the dumbass woman; Ernie wasn't on a leash either. He never is. Animal Control looks the other way in my neighborhood because we're all responsible w/our dogs. The owners of aggressive dogs leash them. Except her.

Ernie survived having his head in the Boxer's mouth; He's got a little cut on his belly from being pinned down. It scared the crap out of him. I've never heard him scream that way.

I could report the bite I got, but then the dog might be destroyed. I don't think it's the dog's fault. The owner is in charge of controlling her dog. One of the ladies I see often (she has 4 dogs) is a retired police officer and can scare the shit out of anyone. I'll let her know what happened and she'll have a little conversation with the airhead.

goldie said...

Hello HOoters!

Just got home form the Daughtry concert(one of my birtday presents) and it was AWESOME!!! I bwas aafraid of being the old lady but holy cow- most of the audience was probably 30-50!!

Before we went to the concert we went back to my hometown (about an hour away) for my best friends daughter's reception. She was married in March in NC- the party was today and was loads of fun.

Currently Mr. Goldie is kissing the back of my neck and rubbing my shoulders- so I have to go now. I dont have to.... to I really want to.... tata

iteach said...

Scirish, yeah on your new house!!!!

Carol, I so loved your blog today.

I think I'm in big trouble already, because I say words wrong or forget them altogether and I have always been that way.

My thoughts are racing so fast that I can't get them out right. It has always been frustrating.

iteach said...

We have had a high number of children out with the flu this month at our school. It is one of our worst attendance months that we ever had. I have had a lot of children with headaches, high fevers, and flu like symptons. I feel so bad for them, they look miserable.



I get my shot on Monday.

Just_Lin said...

Sweet dreams, HOoters!