Yesterday Kate and I went to Nashville for a visit with Scott and Jan Greeley. We had a really good day. Kate and I love being with them. For Kate, the relationship with Scott is probably the longest-standing one she has. Their mothers were pregnant at the same time and remained friends thereafter.
I considered calling Scott and Jan to let them know about Kate’s Alzheimer’s but didn’t. In fact, I had considered doing so immediately following their last visit with us this past April but never did. Late yesterday afternoon Scott rode in the car with me to a Japanese restaurant while Kate rode with Jan. It was only a few minutes to the restaurant, and Scott asked how we were getting along health wise. I told him I had to hit him so abruptly, but that “Kate has Alzheimer’s.” He asked a couple of the usual questions like “How long?” “Have you considered any support groups?” I told him what I could in a short time. When we left the restaurant I told him I would like to call him to follow up on our conversation. He said to call when Jan would be available. This morning I sent an email asking when would be a good time. We set up tomorrow morning after I get to the office following my trip to the Y.
Today I had a routine dental appointment. His father was my dentist until his retirement 5-7 years ago. I always ask about him and his wife. After getting an update I told the dentist that Kate has Alzheimer’s and that we are several years behind his parents on this journey. He encouraged me to call his father and was going to tell his dad about Kate. That means I have added quite a number of people to the list of those who know about Kate. What I see is a natural process in which more people become aware of our situation. It isn’t something that I planned some time ago. It is just unfolding as I have felt the need or a situation presented itself.
Kate went to her monthly PEO meeting this morning. I am wondering if I should say something to them. As I have noted earlier, I suspect they know already. At least two members of the club have said something to me that suggests they know. If they know, I have to believe the rest of the club knows. At any rate, all of this signals a time period in which we are moving into a more serious stage of the disease. I still remain optimistic that we have many good experiences ahead. Yet I am l also facing the reality that the good times are growing shorter. That adds a measure of anxiety for me.
