Several good days

I often post things that are not working or the negative changes in Kate’s condition. That doesn’t reflect the many good times and experiences that we are sharing. The past few days have been especially good ones. It began on Saturday when we drove to Nashville for a visit with long-time friends, Scott and Jan Greeley. Kate’s mother was pregnant with Kate at same time that Scott’s mother was pregnant with him. He and his wife are very special friends. We were there for lunch, an afternoon of conversation, and dinner before heading back home.

On Friday, I received a text from a church acquaintance, Cindi, who asked if Kate might like to join her on Sunday afternoon for a performance of the Living Christmas Tree at a local church. Knowing that Kate would not remember Cindi, I asked that she come by on Friday to re-connect and invite Kate. She did so. She is a delightful person, and Kate readily accepted her invitation. Cindi picked her up and took her. Kate was very enthusiastic when she came home. She loved the show and loved being with Cindi.

Just before Kate left with Cindi, I got a phone call from Laura Williams, an old high school friend of Kate’s. I told her that Kate was just getting ready to leave and asked her to call back when she returned which she did. They had a nice 30-minute conversation.

That evening when we went to dinner and returned home, Kate was the most upbeat that I have observed in some time. It was good to see. Something seemed to carry over through yesterday. I observed virtually no sign of irritation with me over my efforts to control her. On the contrary, she seemed especially conscious of ways in which I help her. Last night before she got into bed, she told me how much she needs me. When I thanked her, she said, “No, I mean it. Do you really know how much I need you?” I got up from my chair and walked over to her and put my arms around her. I told her how much I loved her and said, “I want to help you. I want you to be able to count on me.” We embraced for a moment without saying a word. Sometimes words aren’t necessary.