Weekend Update

Headed up to see Chuck on Saturday morning.  I got there about 9:30, and he was sleeping in one of the chairs near the kitchen.  Very sound.   He mumbled when I rubbed his arm, and then went back into a deep sleep.   I hung out for about an hour, and then took off.   Melinda said he had a good morning, but if I noticed some nicks, he started putting up a fight when they were shaving him, so they stopped.   Other than that, he had been doing well.   He did put his hand out when I rubbed his arm, and I held his hand the entire time I was there.   I've said it before, but I have really noticed how he wants to touched, craves that interaction.  
Eric stopped in on Sunday, and he was in a great mood.  He sent a pic to my phone, and dad looked really good.  The pic came across weird, and I can't download it, so if and when I can figure it out, I will post it here.   Good to see him looking good.  
Dean and Virgie went to church with him yesterday morning.    Said he was doing well.  When they came back from church, the ambulance was there, because there was a man laying on the floor in the dining area.    Yuck.  Virgie walked down to dad's room to get his sweater, and she said there was a short little lady sitting in his chair, just shoving the m&m's in her mouth, from the candy dish.   Virgie told her it wasn't her room, and she left.   By the way she described her to mom, we both think it was Skipper, aka, Naolia.  
Tara and her family stopped in there on Friday, and mom said dad didn't know them, but sure enjoyed having them there.  
He loves to have visitors - when he's awake.  He tends to sleep pretty heavily for a few days, then will be more alert in the days to follow.  

Sunday, May 19

Chad and I, along with Trent and Marione, had a good day with pop.  He was alert and talking about everything from farming to his bishop duties.   We took him outside for a walk, and he had to sit in Trent's car.    Spent about an hour with him, and after walking around, he was ready for a nap.   He was playing around a lot, acting like a doddering old man.   He sure thinks hard about things, and then talks off in a completely different direction.   We just go along with him, even when we can't understand what he is saying.  I know he has slept a log this last week, which is part of the disease.   He will go for days and sleep, then be alert and yapping for a few days.    It was good to see him happy and settled.  Said they work things pretty good around there, and he works hard, too.  He's mentioned this before, and I believe he thinks he works there.   It was a good day, and it's easier to leave him when he seems content.  

Mother's Day, May 12

Had a picnic at Layton Park yesterday, with mom, Eric, and the fams.  Dad was elated to be outside.  I called Chancellor around 9:00, and told them I would pick him up by 11:30-11:45.   Asked that he not eat, since we would be going on a picnic.   When Chad and I arrived, dad was not happy with Tiara, his aide.   She had him all ready to go, but told him he wouldn't be eating there.  Guess he said, "To hell with that, I'm hungry."  He was walking around the hall, looking at the pictures.   When we approached him, he turned around and scowled at us.   Told him I was his daughter, and Chad was his grandson, and we were taking him to the park for a picnic.   His face lit up, and he said, "Well, I'll be."   We led him out the door, and he was sooo happy.  It was nice to see.   Belted him into the front seat, and he sat straight up, looking all around.  Got him settled in a lawn chair, and after a little while, he said he wanted to lay on the grass.   He enjoyed that for about a 1/2 hour, and went back to the chair.   I think it was a little strange for him to be out, because he seemed a disoriented when it came time to eat.    He is on such a schedule and in a routine at Chancellor, that he was probably a little out of sorts.    He handled everything very well, though.   The fam hung out at the part for about 3 hours, and then it was time to leave.  Dad was tired, and we could tell he was ready to go.  Eric took him back, and said he settled right in, seemed content.  Deb cut his hair, and then he was starting to eat when they left.   A good day for him!   Mom was having a tough time, very emotional about the day.   Said it is so difficult for her to go one way, and see dad go another.   She is still dealing with a lot of emotions, and she goes in spurts.   I think any type of holiday seems to be especially difficult for her, which is understandable. 
Picture below of Chuck enjoying the grass:

Sunday, 5/05
Chad and I went up north yesterday.  Went to lunch with mom, then stopped in to see pop.   He was sleeping at the table in the dining area.    I called his name and rubbed his arm.  He kind of mumbled and tried to open his eyes, but couldn't do it.   Very sleepy.   The group went on their ride Friday afternoon, and this seems to wear him out.   He enjoys it, but it usually takes a few days for him to recover.   We sat there about an hour, and he was in and out of it.   If anything, it's fun to sit there and people watch.    He did wake up enough to say he wanted to go to his room.   He was sleepy he had a hard time walking, even with Chad and I helping him.  Once we got to his room, he headed straight for the couch.   The window was open a little, and it was kind of nice in there.   He sat down, and said he wanted to sleep more.   I tucked his blanket in around him, kissed is head, and told him we were leaving now.  He said OK.  Told him I loved him, and he smiled.   Mom is going down this morning for church and lunch, so will get an update later.