Two Sons with Their Dad

Our visit with Dad

Yesterday, July 7, Bruce and I met at "the home" for a visit with Dad. Bruce had arrived about a half-hour before I did so they had a bit of one-on-one time. When I arrived Dad was engaged in a conversation with Bruce but I couldn't figure out what the conversation was about. Bruce indicated that he couldn't follow what Dad was talking about either.

That's the way our visit went with Dad; nothing made sense to us but we could tell that in his mind he knew what he was talking about. He kept referring to one of his nephews that looked like Bruce but couldn't remember who it was other than he may have been a sergeant.

Dad had difficulty searching for words to express his thoughts. For example, Dad kept slapping his forehead and I asked him why was he doing that. He said he wanted to keep the "thing" from getting out or protruding. He was referring to a mole-type growth on his forehead. I asked him what it was and he called it a "pecan."

Throughout our visit Dad kept referring to Bruce as Jay and at times he thought we were his uncles. He spoke of his sister, Noemi, and said that she spoke well and that his other sister, Patsy, was starting to talk and form words. I figure at that moment he was in the late 40s.

Also, for the first time since he's been in the nursing home, he did not recognize the photo of his parents. He said he was trying to figure out who they were.

This visit was difficult because we could see how Dad is sinking deeper into the depths of dementia, He may have some good days in the future but more and more Dad's times, places, events, and people are becoming more muddled.

Dad has lost more weight, he is now at 123 lbs. He is eating less again but is doing well taking in liquids. And the staff informs me that he does get out of bed to move around late at night.

Here is a video where you will see Dad slapping his forehead and calling the "thing:" a pecan. You will also hear him joking and making mimicking sounds.

Bruce & Dad having a good laugh