After leaving Panera yesterday afternoon, we went directly to Casa Bella for their monthly night of jazz. It was a little different last night. The couple with whom we normally sit were unable to make it. We joined another couple who only come for the evening of jazz and not opera or Broadway. We have sat with them several times but are not as well-acquainted with them. They are a very interesting couple, and both are talkative. That works fine for me, but I’m afraid Kate was left out of most of the conversation. On the positive side, I know that she enjoyed the music.
The best part of the day turned out to be after we got home. Before we left the house yesterday afternoon, she asked me (in sign language, of course) if she should take two of her photobooks with us. I suggested that she leave them home, that she wouldn’t need them at either Panera or Casa Bella. When we got home, she picked them up from the coffee table in our family room and took them back to our bedroom. While I took a shower and got ready for bed, she started going through the photobook her brother Ken had made for her. She took a lot of time carefully looking at the pictures on each page. Frequently, she would call my attention to one she particularly liked. I was encouraged to hear her mention the names of her various family members in the photos. I like knowing that she hasn’t completely forgotten their names. This really is a gradual process, but I notice little differences like having increasing trouble remembering my name as well as her own.
I ended up getting in bed with her, and we both looked at some of the album together. In a little while, she was sleepy. We decided to put away the book and call it a day. I am glad to say it ended on this high note. I had expected jazz night would do that. As it turned out, it only set the stage while her family photos became the main event. I was relieved the day ended so happily, without any more signs of confusion.
I am also glad to report that Kate was up a little earlier this morning and in a cheerful mood. We’re back on track (and back at Panera).
