I had a dream the other night. A woman I was familiar with was in the dream. She was holding yellow flowers standing in a beautiful garden filled with warm sunshine and wildflowers. She said to me, ” I’m in the flowers, but I won’t be here long.” She was smiling, she looked wonderful, healthy and very happy.
I attend the Day Program at the Alzheimer’s Society once a week. I chose rather early to attend, I suppose, in the big picture.
When I asked to be a part of this program, Rose, the nurse at the Society, had asked several times if I was “sure”. I always said yes.
You see, all of the guests at this program are in various stages of this disease; Rose, lovingly and professionally, was concerned for my well being in seeing first hand the inevitable changes that would occur in my life, perhaps seeing these changes first hand too soon.
I assured her that this was part of the journey, my personal journey, I wanted to take.
There are times I cannot attend due to my overall wellness, mostly due to my burning back issues, but I was there yesterday.
When I arrived, I went in to chat with Rose and firm up the details of the Friday interview with the radio, now there is a TV spot. More on that later.
We chatted about my A-Typical diagnosis, she knew exactly what that was, I was happy to hear that.
Rose walked me to the Day Program area and gave me a hug.
After my usual hugs and hi’s within the group , I sat down. I scanned the room looking. I chatted a bit, and listened to the general chatter. Then I looked over the room again. She wasn’t there.
I went and sat with one of the employee’s, Deb. I asked her where the woman I was looking for was. I told her about my dream.
Deb said this lovely woman, her family had made the hard choice to move her to a long care facility, a facility with the word “garden” in its name. Deb was speechless.
I was so sad right at that moment, immensely sad.
Although that feeling lingures, I am still at peace with my journey. I will still attend the weekly opportunities to be with my friends. I am grateful to know each wonderful human being there.
Segue….
My son in law LOVES food.
On Friday, after the tv and radio spot my daughter and I are going grocery shopping. I promised I would cook for my son in law. Lol. He’s excited!
I’m making Morrocan Tagine, a great plant based dish. Also, cauliflower wings as a starter, they taste awesome.
I’ll also prepare a very hearty salad that my son in law loves…..no lettuce involved.
I switched my diet to plant based ( mostly, but I still love butter , yogurt, and cream in my coffee, Haven’t found a suitable substitute yet) and my daughter’s family is moving to the same type of menu.
Can’t wait! Greatness with family.
Have a happy day everyone, spend time with those you love. I hope you introduce yourself to a stranger, you never know how impactful YOU will be to their lives, or them to yours.
Enjoy all the moments of greatness.
Be good and kind.
Happy listening, stay well my friends. Xo Jan
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