A chuckle for your morning....I constantly talk to Lady when we walk (I think I do it in the house too). Part of the reason is to make sure we keep moving because as most dogs do, she likes to stop and smell everything. Some mornings I hum, some morning I sing a little, some mornings I pray a bit; as we bond with mother nature. I don't wear ear buds or carry music it's just me. I just try to remain upbeat and greet the morning with gratefulness. For some reason it struck me yesterday that the neighbors probably can hear me as I travel the service road behind their houses. Then again many of the neighbors have hearing problems so I am probably good with what I do. Considering Lady likes to sleep in - the neighbors are probably all up and going about their own business. Oh well, perhaps I bring a bit of sunshine to them.
I attended the 12th Annual Alzheimer's Educational Caregivers Conference this past week. It was a full day of speakers and vendors. I don't know how many non professional caregivers knew about it, but I'm hoping in the future more find out and attend. It was a nice break from the day-to-day and a chance to meet others and learn (I'm all about learning). From a professional standpoint, it would be wonderful if any one that is going to work with Alzheimer's patients in any type of facility or for home care be mandated to attend courses. I know that's a pipe dream, but it's a good one. This day may help me toward certification which I'm still debating. I have to make a decision soon as I only have so many days to complete the paperwork for what I've already completed or start all over. Of course, I'll all about the freebies...LOL! I got lots of pens, note pads and a few reusable tote bags. I am such a bag lady.
One of the speakers was a woman who has worked with memory care patients for over 25 years. Her knowledge and insight were incredible. She works with a company that has opened several assisted living and Alzheimer's care facilities in Massachusetts. She is the trainer for those that work there and I'm sure that her standards are high. She was funny and engaging and made me laugh and cry. She had my thought process churning regarding coaching/caregiving/families. She said that Alzheimer's patients never forget those they love! They may forget their names or not be able to put the words together, but they know. I teared up when she said this because as you remember I basically told papa this last week when mema had difficulty in knowing him. This speaker made me believe that I might understand more than I thought. I just researched the company she works for and wow the facilities and offerings are amazing. Of course with amazing the talk turns to money...these facilities are not inexpensive.
I am constantly amazed at the people that come into my circle. As I sat by myself at an empty table, an older man came over and sat down. We introduced ourselves and chatted a bit. Bob was a very sweet man and cares for his wife at home. As we chatted he told me they will be married 60 years in November. I said my parents will be married 60 years in June. He indicated his wife had mobility issues and we talked about bathroom remodels and such to hopefully keep her in the home (we had this done several years ago in my parents home). I also learned he loves to square dance and he found a group near his home that he attends. He and his wife square danced quite a bit in their younger days. I thought how fantastic that at about 80 odd years he still wants to and can dance. He so reminded me of my parents.
Mema and papa overall had a good week. Mema was up quite a bit and attended a concert or two. She was tired yesterday and I expect today might be a sleepy day as well. Papa was able to sit outside a couple of days with Lady as the weather was clear and warm. We have a busy week ahead, but we'll manage.
Today my nephew Brian will be confirmed. For those readers that are not Catholic: Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is one of the three initiation rites for Catholics, the other two being Baptism, and Holy Communion. According to Catholic doctrine, in the sacrament of Confirmation, the faithful are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened in their Christian life. They have a sponsor, often a godparent, to present them to the bishop during the ceremony.
When I was young, I was confirmed at about 13. In the past few years, the church has shifted the age to about 16 so the young person will have a more complete understanding of the church and to understand the sacrament. Also, will have a better understanding of the Holy Spirit. I am blessed that I will be his sponsor today as his godmother. I have been triple blessed as I also sponsored his older brother and sister.
I did not finish reading any books this past week. Believe it or not I finally watched the movie "The Exorcist." Yes I know it's old (1973), but for some reason I never watched it. Our satellite company removed ABC channels for a while so now I get to spend time catching up on a few shows that I love to watch. I know you are thinking boy are you old fashioned with all the other options to watch shows...oh well all I can say is I'm old fashioned..LOL! Actually it's because here I don't have the speed or data to be able to do all that streaming!
I am going to leave it here for today. Lady should be getting up soon and will need a walk. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"When faced with fear, one must certainly look deep inside of one's self and find that moment in their life where they had triumphed against all odds and say to themselves: I'll get through this, I'll get through this." -
Justin Laursen
"A true friend sees the 1st tear, catches the 2nd, and stops the 3rd!!" - Author Unknown --- Submitted by Emma Stenersen --- Minnesota
"Once you realize how valuable you are, you will find it hard to keep the company of those who do not." - Written in 2015 by Brian G. Jett --- Kentucky