Over the past few weeks I have noticed that Kate has been asking me to remind her of the names of people more often than in the past. It is not surprising that this was most evident during our recent trip to North Carolina. I am, however, noticing that she is asking for names with quite a number of people and places. I suspect that the more she does it, the more comfortable she becomes in asking me to fill-in for her memory.
Simultaneously, she appears to be more comfortable in accepting or asking for my help in other ways (clothes to wear, getting ready to go places, etc.) I know that I have mentioned a number of times that she occasionally says something about how much she depends on me. Yesterday at lunch, she said it. Only this time she said it twice, the second time she gave me a very serious look as if to convey, “This is not a routine statement I am making.”
I have always tried to affirm my desired to be here for her. My most typical response has always been, “You can ask me as many times as you want. That is why I am here.” I have othe variations of this sentiment. “I will always be here for you” is one that I have also used. Most recently, I have said, “We are a team. We will do this together.” I don’t think she literally understands fully what I am saying. I know that she takes it as a statement of support for her. For me, that is the most important thing. I want her to know that she can count on me.
