I've really been his primary caretaker since he came to Colorado, but this summer, I want to stay in Sun Valley and skate, swim, scooter, bike ride, kayak, stand up paddle board, and hike. I was going to have him stay with me in Sun Valley, but my brother wants him in his home either in Colorado or California, so my husband has volunteered to take care of my dad in Colorado.
I haven’t talked about it much, but shortly before my dad’s 90th birthday, I asked my dad’s physician to do a brain scan, and he does have Alzheimer’s. The decline is gradual, but I’ve been there ever step of the way. We have seen a super intelligent man turn into a child. We have been fortunate. He is in great shape physically. He still dresses and showers on his own and does not need help in the bathroom. He has begun to forget who some of his grandchildren are, but he still knows me and my brother and sister and our spouses. Some of our longtime friends he has forgotten, but others he remembers. He used to read all the time, but now spends most of his days watching Turner Classic Movies. He rarely speaks at meals since he has to concentrate on his eating.
Sometimes taking care of my dad reminds me of taking care of our little dog: We can leave him alone for part of the day, but someone has to be with him most of the time to make sure he is fed and safe.
Yesterday, July 4, 2021, we said our good-byes at the Boise Airport. I smiled in the photo, but in reality, I cried and cried. Alzheimer's is horrible. I do need a break, but it is so hard to let go…
I will “see” my dad every day via our Facebook Portal and if “this” really doesn’t work, I will go back to Colorado or take him to his home in Long Beach, California, but I do hope I can stay in Sun Valley.
