After two very good days during which Kate has seemed very upbeat and cooperative, I wondered what today would be like. It is now 5:30, and we’re about to stretch the good days to three in a row.
This morning she slept a little later than I had expected, so we didn’t leave for Panera until almost 10:30. When she came into the kitchen (where she meets me each morning when she is ready to leave), she was cheerful and joked with me a bit while taking her morning meds I had set out for her. She usually takes several of the pills and turns around toward the sink. I have to watch because she generally forgets about the pills she has left on the island. This morning she said, “I know you. Don’t worry. I’m not gonna forget the others.” She finished taking the first few pills and started walk toward the door to the garage. I looked on the island. The other pills were still there. I hesitated but reminded her about them. I hated to do it because I didn’t want to embarrass her for just having let me know she wasn’t going to forget them. She had apparently forgotten having said anything and simply took the remaining pills and wasn’t bothered by my letting her know about them.
We spent an hour at Panera and then went to lunch. We got back home about fifteen minutes before the sitter arrived. As she has the past three days, she brushed her teeth and then got into bed to rest. When the Mary arrived, I took her into the bedroom to say hello to Kate and told her I was leaving for a meeting and then to the Y. Kate told Mary she was glad she was here. She asked me what she could do. I told her she could rest as long as she wanted and then the Mary would take her to Panera if she wanted to go. She liked that idea. I left her resting.
When I returned home, she and Mary had been to Panera and were in the family room. Kate was lying on the sofa. After Mary left, Kate commented on how well she takes care of things. I said, “And isn’t it nice to have company?” She agreed without any hesitation. This is good for my own comfort level in leaving her. She is still resting but not asleep. We’ll go to dinner shortly. I know the balance of the day will go well. Afternoons and evenings consistently go well. I’m feeling grateful.
