Thanks John for the Cup

Gary's long time friend, John, was in town this week for business, and he brought Gary a new coffee mug.  They have enjoyed countless cups of coffee together over the years.  He knows Gary well, and gave him a mug that reflects that.  The handle is big for his fingers, it has a big "bolt" to rest his thumb on, the tools are "raised" so Gary can feel their texture.  It's yellow, like Gary's yellow truck which they worked out of together.













When we receive a gift, we say "Thank you" to the one who gave it.

In order to be a bit more intentional about being thankful..."In everything give thanks; for this God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18, I've started a "page" to keep an ongoing list as things come to mind.  (Click the tab, to the right, above this post)  I am calling it "Thank you God" because giving thanks implies that you are thanking Someone.  Some things are little, some are big, but we are to be grateful for EVERYTHING, so I hope it inspires all of us, to remember to say thank you to God as we go throughout our day.

So "Thank you, John, for the cup, and thank you, God, for John!"

Hope you all have a wonder-filled day, and remember to say "thank you" to the One who gives all good gifts!


Bad News - I think not.

Our Walk at Lower Lake Castaic (July 2012)
I received a call from the social worker at the Adult Day Health Care Center yesterday.  Gary attends the program 3 times a week and has been going there for about 2 years.  The sweet voice on the phone apologetically said, "Gary is needing a higher level of care, and we are short handed right now.  I'm sorry but in order for Gary to continue attending, his fees will increase and you'll also need to send a caregiver with him to assist the staff with his care."  Well, as you can imagine, the cost would be prohibitive, because the cost of adding a caregiver to assist in the program would be double what we are paying now, so I let her know that next week will have to be his last week.

Working the gadget board (July 2012)
Yes, I shed a tear, when I hung up the phone.  It makes me sad to be reminded of Gary's decline in health.  The program has been good for him, and I am sorry it has to come to an end. The staff have been very helpful and compassionate towards Gary.  He has never given them any "trouble."  He just needs more help than they can give at present.  But as to this news being "bad" it isn't really.  Many of you know that the ongoing decision making regarding Gary's care is always on my mind.  With any progressive illness, adjustments must be made frequently.  Just when you think you have something all worked out for a while, there must be a change in the schedule, or who is helping, or how many hours, or what kind of exercise routine.

Of late, I've been praying for wisdom regarding stepping up the care, as to what would be best for Gary and I. One of the things I had considered was additional days at the Health Care Center.  Well, as usual, the Lord leads...this time by taking that option off the table completely.  God is working His plan in our lives, and I am looking forward to what that might be.  This trial has been humbling for me as I am again forced to "wait and see" what God wants for us.  There are other options out there, which we will explore, but in the mean time, I will choose joy, and peace.  They are promised to me in abundance, and I am going to relish in the good, loving care of the one true God.

At the workbench (July 2012)
A verse I've been thinking about lately is Ecclesiastes 3:11.  "He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in their heart without which man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end."

God has graciously given me an eternal perspective.  This life is brief in light of "forever" and therefore I can have the pleasure of knowing that life IS beautiful and there is a good work going on here. This momentary "setback" is just a part of the process of bringing about a beautiful plan and we are privileged to be involved.

I'm so grateful for so many of you who keep praying for us.  I desire to know God better and better, and want to keep my mind focused on His great love for us.  Please join with me in praying for me (and all of us) to that end.  Thank you.


 



Watercolor Journals - Psalm 103


Recently a friend asked me to paint a portrait of their home for an anniversary gift for her husband.   Don't you just LOVE their house?  I really enjoyed this assignment. Especially the white porch railing and the red door.  The reference photos they sent me showed rocking chairs on the porch.  What a great spot for a glass of iced tea and a good book. 




My favorite part of this project, though, was thinking about their family and how they have given of themselves to others, using their home as a gift from God to be used for His wonderful purposes.
"Bless the LORD oh my soul and all that is within me bless His holy name!"






It was not possible to include in the painting, but there is a Bible verse written just above the door on that very welcoming porch. That's what got me thinking...




How am I stirring up my deepest self to magnify God's character?  Am I using all the resources I've been given to "show off God"?  Am I yielding up to God the secret areas of my life that I like to control so that I better reflect Him?   Charles Spurgeon said it better than me when he commented on Psalms 103:1

"Soul music is the very soul of music.  The Psalmist strikes the best key-note when he begins with stirring up his inmost self to magnify the Lord.  He soliloquizes, holds self-communion and exhorts himself, as though he felt that dulness would all too soon steal over his faculties, as, indeed, it will over us all, unless we are diligently on the watch.  Jehovah is worthy to be praised by us in that highest style of adoration which is intended by the term bless...Many are our faculties, emotions, and capacities, but God has given them all to us, and they ought all to join in chorus to his praise.  Half-hearted, ill-conceived, unintelligent praises are not such as we should render to our loving Lord.  If the law of justice demanded all our heart and soul and mind for the Creator, much more may the law of gratitude put in a comprehensive claim for the homage of our whole being to the God of grace." (from Treasury of David)


Karen has kindly written about my painting on her blog if you care to check it out.  Karen's blog post



Remembering

(Sorry  if this is a duplicate for you, but I made a boo-boo and had to republish this post.)

As I said in the last post...I am enjoying the recently digitized treasure of Gary's photos from the 60's.  Now that they are digital...there's so much we can do with them!

Thanks, April and Jon!


We received a photo frame from our kids at Christmas.  So I loaded some of Gary's childhood photos onto a memory card, and then plugged it into the frame.  (Forgive the detail, if you already know about these...but I can't help being excited!)  





I love how they cycle through as in a slide show.  Mine are set for 30 second intervals.  The image is about 5" X 7".  (Vertical photos are smaller, but the frame can be turned on it's side if more are vertical.)





Frame is bigger than appears here.
I had this frame sitting around different places in the house, for several weeks, and could never interest Gary in it, until last week.  I put it on the counter, right in front of where he was sitting and he began watching.  I even saw a smile for a little while.  For an Alzheimer's mind, the slow rotation was great. 



Eye level is best.
 Since the long term memories are the last to go, I think he was really enjoying remembering his family's many water skiing vacations, family pets, and projects.  He didn't loose interest for at least 30 minutes.




Last fall I got started making "Memory Books" for Gary.  I've made several, and they are all of our own family photos, scanned from slides from the 70's and 80's.  Now that I have Gary's photos, I intend to make some more memory books for him. For more detail on these...click:  My post about Memory Books

I think the single most frightening thing about Alzheimer's Disease is the loss of memory.  Not just how to tie your shoes, or what you just said, but who you are, and where did you come from.  The confusion that results from not remembering things.  With memories disappearing, I am so glad for digital photos! They are helping to give Gary comforting images to reassure his mind. They also give him something to focus on.

A friend got me thinking today about how God remembers us.  With Gary 'forgetting' so much, I'm glad she brought it mind.  My friend prompted me to think about the following:
  1. We may forget everything, but God will not forget us. "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.  For He Himself knows our frame; He remembers that we are but dust."  Psalm 103:13-14
  2. God does NOT remember our sins, since our lives are hidden with Christ in God. "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25
  3. Now is the time to be thinking about God because life is fleeting, like the vapor on a cup of coffee and no one knows if or when they will not be able to.  "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, 'I have no delight in them.'" Ecclesiastes 12:1 Here's a great message on this by Rick Holland
 Gary may forget ALL things.  God will not forget him.

"Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.  And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." 1 John 3:2-3

Gary's World in the 60's

Recently, my friend Glenna, helped me by scanning hundreds of our 35mm color slides to make digital copies.  This project resulted in some very special photos from both sides of our family, going back to the mid 60's.  Gary's childhood and teen years were so fun to look at, because I had only seen a few of them.  I couldn't wait to post some just because...

Gary got his first ( but not last) ticket for riding his illegal bike on the street.
His dad allowed him to dissect an engine.

Gordon and Gary, before the dance lessons.


I don't know what I think about this.

Gary's beautiful English mother, Rachel


 The Prices visit Boulder Dam.

1966 Fashion

Yellowstone Bear Jam...used to be a common occurrence back in the day.
At the B&W Resort in the Sacramento Delta area

The most Price Family photos by far were devoted to waterskiing and boat building.  The Price family built their own jet ski boat, one of a couple built with a friend who was hoping to manufacture them.  Later Gary's dad gave us the boat, and oh the fun we had with it.  I'm including just a few of these boat building photos.  If you get bored...just scroll down to the very last one!  It's my favorite of the entire box of slides!

Gary's dad, Tom Price builds a boat.

Plywood and Fiberglass

1-2-3 Lift

Gary said he and his brother, spent days and days, sanding the surface.



Maiden voyage at Hansen Dam Lake!
Two years later, finished.


Gordon and Gary take her for a ride.

Heading home, with boat in tow, in the bed of the pick-up, Gary inspects his guns.



A Woman's Got to Know Her Limitations #4: Choose Wisely



Limitation #4: Quadrants

"CHOOSE WISELY"
Given my personality, I tend to only think it was a good day if my 'to-do' list is done, but no matter what your personality is, there's never enough hours in the day to do EVERYTHING on the list.  I recently came upon this very helpful way of looking at things in a book by Dave Ramsey, and it is SO helpful I wanted to share it with you.  (He credits Dr. Stephen Covey, who wrote "7 Habits of Effective People.")

We spend all our time in one of these 4 categories.

We do things that are:

1. Important AND Urgent
2. Important but NOT Urgent
3. NOT Important but Urgent
4. NOT Important and NOT Urgent

I'm sure you are already thinking of things for each category.   EVERYTHING we do fits into this list.  Activities can even move from category to category, depending on our goals.  Most reasonably responsible people will take care of #1: Important AND Urgent  Whether there is a school or business deadline, you need dinner, or your child falls down and gets hurt, we drop everything and get it done. 

Most people know to avoid spending very much time on #4 items: NOT Important and NOT Urgent  These are the morally neutral time wasters which can be different for everyone, but for me can include some Social Media, some T.V., and Crossword Puzzles.  Dave Ramsey calls these the "passive, unproductive moments and people."  I believe that some relaxation is necessary in everyone's life but it is easy to cross over from "relaxing" into "wasting time."

The problem areas are #3 and #2. 

#3: NOT Important but Urgent items are tricky.  They steel us away from what we should be doing, because they are urgent, so they SEEM important!  For me this can be the unplanned things that come up throughout the day that demand my attention such as; Ads that come in the mail or if one of the blogs I follow has a contest/give-away that requires a response. Or how about Email and Facebook notifications on my phone which may or may not be important, but the temptation to "check on them" immediately can cause me to loose my train of thought from what I was doing.  You get the idea.  There was book I heard of a while back called  The Tyranny of the Urgent   I haven't read it, but love the title.  Tyranny is defined as arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power.  Why do we let these things take over our present time?  I want to say here, that these items may actually be important, once evaluated, but in my own life anyway, I need to come at them in an orderly way.  I can make decisions about them without deviating from the important thing that I am doing in the present moment.  For instance (and I have done this by the way): While I am making dinner, I get a little notice on my phone that I have an email coming in.  Let's say it's an advertisement from Christopher and Banks , my favorite online clothing source.  I have a choice...I can stop chopping vegies, and check on the ad, or I can "flag" it for later, when I need to have "relaxation" time and presently, get back to the chopping block.  Better yet...don't even check on it till later.  If I have already used up the clothing budget funds for that month, the ad is actually Not Important and Not Urgent and should not even be flagged.

(PAUSE:  Right now since this blog post is in the category of Important but NOT Urgent, I need to make dinner, so I will be back after dinner!)
 

OK... I'm back...

#2: Important but NOT Urgent activities are the ones we need to DO!  Dave's list is: "exercise, strategic planning, goal setting reading nonfiction leadership/business books, taking a class or three, relationship building, prayer, date night with your spouse, a day off devoted to brainstorming, doing your will/estate plan, saving money, and having the oil changed in your car."  We each have a unique list of things that are Important but NOT Urgent.  Mine include some of the same things...exercise, time with Gary, prayer, friendships, etc.  According to Dave, these activities are "the building blocks of a high-quality life and business and yet because they are not urgent, they seem to be some of the things we avoid the most."  He's right. He makes the point that if we avoid them, they will end up moving to the #1: Important AND URGENT category, because of neglect. If I don't get the oil changed regularly, my car will be needing expensive repairs...or worse.  You get the idea.
"HE CHOSE POORLY"
I'm trying really hard to budget time for #1 and #2 avoid and/or delegate #3 and avoid completely #4.
For a visual...here's the chart from Dr. Covey:
 
 
Lego Indiana Jones (Neither Important nor Urgent)
 
 

"We are NOT waterskiing!"

I am often asked "How is Gary doing?"  My response is typically, "Pretty good considering.  But the disease is progressing."  There is usually a follow-up question..."How are YOU doing?"  That will have to be another post...I want to use this post to explain some things, and I need to say up front that this is not primarily a plea for sympathy or help, rather to get people up to speed.  Some of my blogging friends have never met us, some of our older friends have not seen Gary for many years and many of you want updates so you can pray more specifically for us.  (In my entire life, I have NEVER seen so much specific, detailed attention from the Lord to our specific situation.  I am 100% convinced that God loves us and hears and answers the prayers of His children.)  In order to give an accurate picture of where we're at with this progressive disease, I have to give a bit of information.  Please bear with me.

ALZHEIMER'S STAGES:

There are

7 Stages of A.D

.  As you probably know, A.D. starts with a bit of forgetfulness, or confusion, and results in complete brain destruction and death, usually from a secondary problem, such as pneumonia or infections. Though you can't place anyone in a specific place in the progression because of overlap, both our neurologist and his primary Dr. have stated that Gary is in the advanced stages.  His mobility and overall health, disguise this.   From the Alzheimer's Association:

Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline: (Severe or late-stage Alzheimer's disease)In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases.  At this stage, individuals need help with much of their daily personal care, including eating or using the toilet. They may also lose the ability to smile, to sit without support and to hold their heads up. Reflexes become abnormal. Muscles grow rigid. Swallowing impaired.

Everyone is different, and no two people experience ALL of the listed symptoms, or in the typical order.  For instance, some folks are chatty all along.  Gary may say one or two words a day, which may or may not make sense to the listener.  (Have we ever thanked God for the ability to communicate with those we love?  I used to take this for granted.) 

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING:

Early on with this illness, we were told about the eventual need for help with A.D.L.  I had never hear that term before.  How well I know it now!  Here's the list from the Alz. Association, and a few examples of how it is for Gary and I.

  • Bathing - Yep!  I bathe him.
  • Dressing - Gary lets me dress him, and tries to help, but in buttoning his shirt, for instance, his hands just get in the way.  Lately he has taken to grasping the closest thing to his hands.  The shirtsleeve, my wrists, anything.  By putting a handkerchief or washcloth in his hand, I can draw the sleeve over his hands without "velcro-fingers" slowing things down.
  • Grooming - If Gary looks scruffy, it's because I didn't do a good job shaving him, so don't blame him...it's me.
  • Oral Care - He lets me floss and brush his teeth.  He may even try to hold his mouth open, but this is getting harder and harder. I usually have to pry it open and NOT get my finger between his teeth.  That can be a BAD idea! I take him to the dentist for a cleaning twice a year, and if I sit next to him, and reassure him while talking to the hygienist, he cooperates.  We have a fantastic Dental office who have been incredibly helpful. If he gets a cavity, or needs a crown, it will be a BIG problem, so I am always concerned that we keep his teeth and gums healthy. 
  • Toileting - Yep!  Nuff said.
  • Transferring - (moving from one place to another) So far Gary is mobile so we are not using a wheel chair.  That day appears to be approaching, since his balance is so poor.  I do not let him walk anywhere without someone at his elbow.  He tends to tip backward and has fallen a few times.  In some ways a wheel chair would make things easier, because folks would understand.  As it is, when we are in public and we pass through a doorway, he will try to grab on to the door handle, out of habit to open it for me, but then he won't let go.  This often causes a small traffic jam as people wait for me to un-peel his fingers from the handle.  A wheel chair would signal others that we need some help with doors, etc.  A wheel chair would allow me to wheel him to the table, instead of scooting his chair.  He does not scoot.  He does not move his feet forward when I am scooting the chair, so I have to manually move his feet in front of him so the chair doesn't crunch up his calves.  The reason I am delaying the wheel chair, is that the less mobile he becomes the more his muscles will atrophy and he will have a better life if he is able to move.  But, as I said, I can see the day approaching...
  • Walking - When just stepping out, he consistently uses the wrong foot.  For instance when you should use your right, because you are headed to your right, Gary uses his left, so he ends up crossing his feet.  Kind of a "scissor step".  So he must be guided along.  Some mornings, when he has socks on, and I'm leading him he doesn't even take a step.  I end up towing him across the laminate.  He actually looks like he's water skiing.  I have to tell him... "WE ARE NOT WATER SKIING!  You need to take a step." I am pretty sure he has a twinkle in his eye, and thinks it's fun.

2012

1982

  • Climbing Stairs - Going up's not too bad, but going down is another story unless they are not too steep.  I now avoid them if possible.  Elevators are ok if they are not crowded.  Gary is not claustrophobic, but I can't maneuver him around very well, and he doesn't understand "stepping aside" or "moving over" to make room for someone.  The elevator at church is particularly difficult, because people are so willing to "squeeze one more in", not realizing our situation.  Once they understand, they are extremely accommodating to us, but I often wait until the next load, which may be more empty. 
  • Eating - Most meals take an hour.  (He was always one to "savor" his food.) He takes small bites, which he tends to nibble.  He is having an increasingly hard time dealing with swallowing.  He feeds himself a few bites, then must be fed because he gets distracted, or closes his eyes, or turns the spoon into a screwdriver, or some other mechanical tool. 
  • Shopping - Stimulation overload.  Stores are not a good place for someone like Gary.  There's loud music playing, people coming and going, products, displays, etc. etc...There is NO WAY he could buy anything.  BUT in January, we went for Coffee and a sweet roll to Panera Bread, and he stood with me at the glass display case and when I asked him what he would like he actually pointed to a cinnamon-roll-muffin thing.  It is random and rare, that he would make a 'choice' and I was elated.
  • Cooking - I keep the sharp knifes put away out of sight if I am not using them.  I do not leave them in the sink to dry.  I keep Gary from going near the stove if something's cooking.  I have had to stop him from trying to pick up a hot pan.  He would not be able to pour a bowl of cereal for himself now.  He does, however open the cookie jar and take out a cookie.  :) 
  • Managing - Impossible.  There is no sense of time passing, or to-do lists, or problem-solving.  He no longer writes, or draws.  I do not know if he recognizes his name. 
  • Medications - He stopped swallowing pills whole several years ago, but at least he chews them up and doesn't refuse them.  He used to chew up his Asprin, ever since I met him, so don't feel too sorry for him about this.  I think his taste mechanism is somewhat off though because he doesn't even make a face.  If they are "timed release" it can be a problem, so I have to find a version that can be dissolved in the mouth.
  • Using the Phone - Phone calls are impossible so he stopped carrying a phone in 2010.  (I did see him pick up an apple, hold it to his ear, and say "hello" when he heard a phone ring recently though.)  Thank the Lord for Skype so he can sometimes sit in on a call to our daughter, April's family in Florida.  At least he can see them, and hear them.
  • Housework - (Substitute Yardwork in Gary's case!)  When Gary is taken for a walk, he often stops to pick a "weed".  He does not differentiate between weeds and other plants, but he does pick up little twigs, or sprigs of things.  He still finds some pleasure in "pruning, weeding, and tending."  If he bends over, he must be supported and lifted back up, because he can't usually get himself back up again.  If he does rise up again, he will typically go right over backwards. 

2011 (Gary is too unstable to do this now)

  • Doing Laundry - Gary never did the laundry anyway, :) but now there are multiple mishaps and spills, making the washer and dryer run daily.
  • Driving - Gary stopped driving in 2008 and voluntarily surrendered his license.
  • Managing Finances - He hasn't needed a wallet for 2 years, because he doesn't shop or understand how to count, or make change.  BUT...when asked in February if he wanted to make a Valentine's card for me at the Adult Day Health Care, in one of his rare speaking moments, he said, "How much is it going to cost?"  His helper couldn't wait to tell me about it because it was the only thing he had said in several weeks.  I was presented with a pink construction paper card, with a couple of stickers and a doily glued on.  To me, the fact that he spoke, was the best Valentine gift and it didn't cost anything. :)

At this point, Gary still doesn't wander, repeat himself, get agitated, angry or combative. He continues to enjoy working with his hands, turning any object into a tool; a straw, a spoon, a coffee cup etc.  This can result in a foot massage for me, if I'm lucky!

3 Days Ago

I'm sure he usually recognizes me, and other family members and a few friends.  It has been since 2007 that Gary was diagnosed and since 2006 that the problems began.  Now, 6 years later, here we are with a life dominating illness. I love Gary more than ever, and have been learning from him all along.  While Gary was healthy I took many things for granted, and even complained about some of the things that I now long for.  He has lost so much.  So have I.  I sometimes cry out to the Lord that it hurts to "lose my best friend, and on top of that, it's hard work too."  But, God is enough for us.  I trust Him.  He has proven over and over that does not bring anything into our lives that is unkind and there are no mistakes.  Our burden has been shared and  lifted off of us by so many friends and our wonderful family that I can honestly say that I'm joyful and fulfilled.  I believe that Gary is at peace too.  If you are around him much, you would agree. 

Easter 2012

Gary's Prayers - "Thank You"

Gary's Prayers

since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's in '07

 May 16, 2012

"Heavenly Father, thank you"

Gary prayed last night.  This is the first time in MONTHS that he has prayed out loud.  It was at dinner with some friends over.  His prayer was short.  It ended abruptly.  He got "stuck" as if he was going to say more but couldn't.  I finished for him and then our friend, Steve, commented that he had often heard Gary begin his prayers this way.

Can you even imagine how encouraging these 4 words were to my heart?   He is still giving praise and honor to his Heavenly Father, because he has been rescued from his heart of stone and been given a heart of flesh.  In his simple, random, rare moments, he continues to give thanks to God.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

To the suffering Believers who were scattered about because of persecution, Peter wrote:

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect(fix what is broken),confirm(strengthen with resolve, under-gird), strengthen(strengthen wherever needed), and establish (give a firm foundation) you."  1 Peter 5:10

Though the circumstances were different, God is ALWAYS using this fallen world to do "a thousand things" in the lives of those who entrust their souls to Him.  May we ALL give thanks (to God) in EVERYTHING!

Practical Joking 101 - Wedding Love

Weddings are a great place for showing off your practical joking skills.  In fact, Gary used to keep a package of black, plastic ants in his suit jacket for placing a few on the Cake table when no one was looking at nearly every wedding.  That was "fun", but when our daughters' babysitter, Diana got married, back in the 80's, this called for something bigger.  Diana, was more than a babysitter.  She and her fiance Rich were our friends.  The wedding was beautiful.  Everything was perfect.


During the reception, Gary disappeared for a while then rejoined the party.  The time came to send the couple off on their honeymoon.  Goodbyes, kisses, and waves complete, the best man started the engine of the borrowed car, and ...



I think Gary even surprised himself at the amount of orange smoke which billowed from the engine area when the car was started.  (The Army surplus store had been one of Gary's favorite "toy stores".  The smoke signaling flare had followed him home one day.)  It was amazing how fast the Bride and Groom were able to jump out of the car, and the guests stood around for some time trying to assign blame.  I seem to remember one of the groomsmen, Diana's brother-in-law, getting tagged for it at the time.

Anyway, if you ever had a Gary Price practical joke played on you, it likely caused you no small inconvenience, but it's because he loved you, as he loves this dear couple who, unbelievably, are dear friends to this day.

Diana, Rich and Gary in 2010


My Second Favorite Book

My Journey Into Alzheimer's Disease by Robert Davis - A REVIEW

I don't even know where to start.  I have underlined so much of this book that I'm sitting here rereading it again just to choose my favorite quotes.  Everyone I've bumped into this week has gotten an earful from me about this man who wrote down his experience for others.  I've asked my family to please read it, and now I'm excited to share it with you all. 

Just like my Gary, Robert Davis was diagnosed with 'early-onset' Alzheimer's in his 50's.  He was enjoying a wonderful life as a pastor in Miami, Florida for 14 years, when he began the confusion began.  Married 30 years with 2 daughters, and busy with his ministry, his life was abruptly changed as he had to step away from his beloved preaching, counseling and shepherding.  His writing takes place during the early stages of the disease, and possibly into the start of the middle stage.  Some of the chapters were written by Robert, some by his wife, Betty, and some were edited by her. (Especially when he had lost the ability to write, and, though able to record his story, he repeated himself frequently and often had a hard time gathering his thoughts.)

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

At least half of the book is devoted to his personal history and spiritual journey.  He shares from his heart the deep struggles with the confusion and blank mind which would come and go, and how his relationship with God was able to continue.  Knowing what his walk with God had been like up to this point is important in order to understand how God takes a person where he is at, and continues working in their heart.
"I now realize that instead of holding on to God and pulling myself up by my exuberant faith, I have to relax and have the simplest childlike faith and let Jesus hold me."  R.D.
INSIGHT

In the later chapters he tells what it's like for the person who's mind is confused and how to help them function at their highest ability.  He even relates what he would have done differently in comforting those with dementia in his congregation.
"...if I want to function at the top of my limited capaciy, I must establish a routine and keep to it.  It must stay away from crowds, blinking lights, too much emotional or mental stimulation, and must not become physically exhausted." R.D.
"Whatever reaches my ears with the loudest noise is that which penetrates into my consciousness and rules my perceptions." R.D.
"Perhaps if you have loved ones whose reading is impaired you could make tapes of their favorite Bible portions, Christian poems, or old hymns.  Thus at their time of need God can use your familiar voice to bless and comfort them with God's words." R.D.
I HAD TO STOP AND THINK

I could hardly imagine someone with this illness composing a book.  It's obvious that A.D. effects people differently, but how could anyone form sentences and compose their thoughts with such limited cognition.  But then, Robert Davis had been a communicator by profession, for his entire adult life.  He loved to read, write, study, and speak.  As I've been around the Alzheimer's community for several years, I can see that the basic skills stay a long time.  Even though Gary is in the advanced stage, he still likes to work on little gadgets with his hands, and loves to bend wire with his duckbill pliers, then straighten it again.  So it makes sense to me that Rev. Davis could relate his experiences so well, especially with help from Betty, just as I help Gary by putting the pliers in his right hand and the wire in his left.
  
WHY THIS BOOK MEANS SO MUCH TO ME

It is timely and specific to my questions.

I have longed to understand what it is like for Gary, and how I can better help him.  I am limited by Gary's silence.  If there are things that I can do, to minimize the confusion, and help him focus on what he loves, and what's important, I want to do them.  I pray for understanding and wisdom daily.  How often Gary and I have held each other while I have prayed for God to help us and show me what to do.  I have read many books on A.D. and none have been this helpful, because this time, I was able to get a glimpse of what to do.  My mind is racing with ideas of things to do differently and ways to enhance Gary's life.

I have wondered how God works in Gary's heart.  I know He does, because He promised to, but how does a confused mind grasp it. Does it NEED to grasp it?  Gary was saved from his sins over 40 years ago.  Jesus promised, "I will never leave you or forsake you."  He will "perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish" all of His own.  "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8) So there is no doubt in my mind that Gary is safely nestled in the arms of Jesus and his soul is being nurtured day by day.  I am sure God works differently with each of his children, but just reading about Robert's walk with God is SO comforting to me.  Here is another believer, 20 years ago, on the opposite coast, that was being loved and cared for by God, and he knew it, and wrote about it, and it has ministered to my heart.  I believe the Lord sent this book to me to bolster and encourage me and help prepare me for whatever comes next. 

MY FAVORITE BOOK

The Bible of course is my favorite book.  It's Gary's favorite too, and here's what Robert says about it:
 "I am learning to take strength and comfort wherever and whenever it comes to me.  Since it is no longer possible to feed my inner man through the usual channels of prayer, meditation, and Bible study, I am learning to be strengthened by words and instructions that suddenly pop into my mind.  To recall definite things, particularly under stress, is very difficult.  Somehow the more I try to think of something, the more the thoughts disappear.  However, at times certain things pop into my mind, much to my surprise and everyone else's.  I cannot read the Bible, but suddenly miscellaneous Bible verses come to mind.  I take these and think about them for as long as I can, enjoying their truths and praising God for this facet of blessing.  As I do this, I also have a reason to thank God for his goodness." R.D.
One of the MANY reasons the Bible is my favorite book is that it tells me that God is "intimately acquainted with all my ways." and "He cares for me."  I believe it.  When God gave me insight into Robert Davis' spiritual and mental journey, He was answering my prayers.

MY SECOND FAVORITE BOOK

My Journey Into Alzheimer's Disease is only $9.86 on Amazon.com.  It's only 140 pages.  If you have a loved one or friend with A.D. or you are a caregiver of anyone with dementia, you need this book.
 
Gary on one of our walks, December 2011.      


Watercolor Journals - Two Lambs

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
He leadeth me beside the still waters
He restoreth my soul. 
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
 

Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
Thou annointest my head with oil,
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen." 
David's 23rd Psalm

I'm just a stupid sheep, in desperate need of a shepherd.  Hungry. Thirsty.  Lost.  Fearful.  Hurting.  Empty.   So needy.  BUT my Shepherd, so kind, brave, and good, bought me for His very own, in spite of my condition, and now with David I can say goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life!

My Jesus is ALSO called a sheep, but He is not at all like me. 

"...you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold... but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ." (1 Peter 1) 

Like a precious lamb, pure, and without blemish, but not helpless, He willingly went to the cross to pay the penalty of death for sin, for me, as worthless as I was.  

That's what I'm most joyful about.

  


You know what they say about rabbits...

Yep, bunnies multiply like crazy in the Spring.  That's especially true here in Friendly Valley.  In fact, they're all over the lawns, come Summer.  I've already seen some footprints near our front yard.  Well, my little Boochie Bunny, has been reproducing too.  I am excited to be able to share my latest painting with you all, in the form of note cards.

Spring Bunny Note Card
He's available at my Etsy store as an individual card:  Spring Bunny Note Card
Or in sets: Spring Bunny Note Card Set of 4

Spring Garden Note Cards
I had fun choosing 3 more Spring-Themed paintings to join Mr. Bunny in the Spring Garden Set: 
Spring Garden Note Card Set of 4

I've been looking forward to creating these note cards for several months, and am so pleased that they are finally ready.  My wheels are turning and there will be more to come.  Many thanks to our good friends Steve and Denise for the idea, and their encouragement in this direction. 

"Boochie" Bunny

“Boochie”

More about my plans for this bunny painting in another post.

In case you were wondering, my latest watercolor is "boochie."  This little bunny is "boochie" according to my granddaughter.   She has coined this word which is defined as follows:

Boochie is an adjective that describes a person or animal.  They must be small with chubby cheeks, and have a cute face.  So, some babies are boochie, as are some small animals.  Many baby animals qualify as well, such as baby skunks, raccoons, chipmunks, penguins, seals, and of course, bunnies.  Boochie, does not necessarily mean "soft", and in fact may even be prickly, as a hedgehog or porcupine.  (as long as it's cute)

The first time she used the term was when she first saw her little cousin.

 He takes after his mother, who was also boochie.

April (one year old)

Last week, when she was beating me at the Mother & Baby Animal Memory Game, she "schooled" me on which ones were boochie as well.

All babies, except the mama bunny who is also boochie.

Beating Grandma at Bob the Builder Memory Game (Why do I keep these humiliating games around?)

And just because I couldn't resist...here's some more of my boochie grandson!

Happy Springtime everyone!  

"This is the day that the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it!" 

Psalms 118:24

Coconut Oil vs The Big Bad Rx Companies


It's easy to get a bit overwhelmed with all the "Alzheimer's" information on the internet.  I really appreciate my friends sharing info with me, since my time is so limited, and they do much of the "sorting out" of what's important.  BUT, sometimes I feel guilty for not giving Gary enough coconut oil, cumin, saffron, Vitamin D, dropping the statins, etc, etc, etc. It could be a full time job keeping up with all the latest, deciding what will help, and then implementing things.  The problem is that though all the testimonials are likely true, there are many reasons someone can improve.  "Hope" for one thing.  If an Alz. patient is depressed, then having hope can be a huge help in lifting the depression, which also causes cognitive impairment.  Another thing that concerns me is that lots of folks on the internet, say their loved one's A.D. was turned around because of some diet change.  Did they really have A.D.?  Was it diagnosed?  There are MANY things that cause cognitive impairment and dementia.  Depression, lack of sleep, mini strokes, brain injury, etc, etc.

When I was buying Coconut Oil the other day, someone asked me if it helps.  I said, "I don't know, but it can't hurt and it seems to help some people."  I have no way of comparing Gary "with coconut oil", to Gary "without coconut oil".  I have tried most of the popular "natural" remedies for dementia (for weeks, sometimes months), and never seen a change for the better.   Unfortunately, the drug companies are the ones with the money to fund widespread testing, so the drugs get tested and the nutritional things don't.  Therefore, we are left with testimonials, and circumstantial evidence to base our decisions on. We live in an age when there are MANY resources, and we can know about them because of the internet.  We DO use medications which have been tweaked and fine-tuned by Gary's excellent neurologist, a reseacher at USC.  That is the course we have chosen to take.  If others elect to avoid them, hopefully they do so, because their loved one would want it that way and that is the best course "for them".  I can't measure how Gary would have been without the meds, but based on research, that has been conducted over many years with many people, the "test groups" that were on these meds did better overall than those without.  After 6 years into this journey, I strongly believe that no one should look down on another because of their philosophy of treatment. 

Many folks have mentioned Dr. Mary Newport's research into Coconut Oil recently.  Actually a friend told me about her several years ago, and I occasionally check her blog.  ( Dr. Newport's Blog ) Her research into Medium-Chain-Triglycerides seems very thorough, and  I have no doubt that her husband has improved since the daily regimen of Coconut Oil but my strengths are not in the area of nutrition or chemistry.  I am better at making memory books for Gary, and playing hymns for him when he is "stressed or fatigued".  Some of my friends ARE good with understanding nutrition and so they will care for their loved ones with more of an emphasis on diet.    Meanwhile, I continue to cook with Coconut oil, and give Gary the chocolate/coconut oil fudge snacks.  Good thing he loves coconut.  In fact, he used to enjoy buying a coconut, and then busting in to it, digging out the coconut meat and drinking the coconut milk, so even though he doesn't say so, I think he must enjoy all the coconut in his diet.

I'm trying a new recipe today for Double Coconut Muffins from SmittenKitchen.com.  Here's a link:  Double Coconut Muffins





A woman's got to know her limitations #3: Five "W's"

Limitation #3: KNOWLEDGE

The Latest Mystery

Who? Gary
What? Inhale...hold breath...exhale with rhythmic interruptions (like throat clearing, but not) with a pained expression and a spike in blood pressure
When? Mostly in the afternoon or evening and at bedtime...when fatigued, until he is sound asleep.
Where? Anywhere, but always when going to bed

I can answer all but one of the fact gathering journalism questions I learned in high school. 
Why? 

Ultimately it's because Gary has Alzheimer's Disease, but as to WHY this particular symptom is happening, I'm in the dark.  Gary can't tell me what it feels like, or why he does this when he's tired.  

Not everyone with A.D. does this, and in fact neither of his Doctors have seen it before.  It seems to me that "why" is the most important question to ask, because if there is a physiological cause, perhaps we could remedy it, to make Gary more comfortable.  I understand that there are many, many symptoms of dementia that are unexplainable, but that doesn't take away my "quest" to understand this one.  His other behaviors don't seem to make him uncomfortable like this one does.  (Just try holding your breath for 10 seconds, and then let it out slowly in short bursts.  Carry on for 10-15 minutes, if you want to see how tiring it is.)  Once he falls asleep, he goes back to normal breathing the same as when he is awake and rested.  The only thing I've found that shorten's the time, is playing instrumental hymns.  I think his mind focuses on the tunes he is familiar with, and he breathes more normally and falls asleep. 

NOW, please...I'm not sharing all this to get everyone worried or send you all on a hunt for answers.  Gary's doctors say it's not cause for alarm and doesn't sound like sleep apnea, because he doesn't "gasp for air".  Even so, I sometimes have a hard time pulling myself away from Google in my search for information on this behavior.  It remains a mystery to me. That is the point of this post...many things in life are mysteries. 

This morning I was reading in Genesis 36-46 about Joseph. Here's what stood out to me in the narrative.
  •  Because of his brothers' jealousy and hatred, they nearly killed Joseph, and ended up selling him to some traders who took him to Egypt. KIDNAPPED!  SLAVERY!
  •  Next, he became the property of Potiphar, the captain of Pharoah's bodyguard.  But the Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man and trusted to be the overseer of all that Potiphar owned, but Potiphar's wife was chasing after Joseph.  When he rejected her sexual advances and  "fled" from her presence, she falsely accused him of rape.  This landed him in prison...unjustly.  FALSE IMPRISONMENT!
  • In prison, the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him.  Again, he was put in charge of things.  When a couple of Pharaoh's officials landed in jail too, Joseph helped them out by correctly interpreting their dreams, but when released instead of helping him in return, by reporting to Pharaoh, about Joseph's kidnapping and unjust imprisonment, he was FORGOTTEN!
Was Joseph a victim?  A dupe?  God's pawn?  There were many times when Joseph's tribulations could have logically ended...One brother wanted to rescue him, but didn't get there in time.    Potiphar should have believed Joseph, since he had proven his character already.  Pharaoh's official could have remembered Joseph's unjust imprisonment. What must Joseph have thought?  Did he doubt that God was hearing his prayers? 
  • Two years later, Pharaoh had a dream...It turns out that none of his "magicians" could interpret it, so that's when the official, who had been in prison with Joseph, remembered him and told Pharaoh that he knew a guy that could correctly interpret dreams.  TWO YEARS!
  • So, NOW Joseph is released to come interpret Pharaoh's dream which has incredible significance for the entire country of Egypt and the surrounding lands.  There would be 7 years of prosperity, followed by 7 years of famine.  Joseph's suggestions about managing the produce, landed him a position of authority in Egypt..."So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are.  Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See I have set you over all the land of Egypt."  STRATEGIC POSITION!
  • When the famine struck, Joseph's father, Jacob, back in Canaan, heard there was food in Egypt and sent his sons to buy some and bring it back.  Joseph of course recognizes his brothers, but they don't know him, and after a series of fascinating encounters, reveals himself to them, and brings his entire family to live in the best land of Egypt at Pharaoh's invitation. 
  • Joseph said to his brothers, "I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.  No do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.  For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting.  God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance, no therefore, it was not you who sent me here, BUT GOD..."
  • Even though the famine could have wiped out God's chosen people, the nation of Israel was preserved.  "Now Israel lived in the land of Egypt in Goshen, and they acquired property in it and were fruitful and became very numerous."  All because of a young guy being hated by his brothers.  
  • Years later after Joseph's father died, the brothers worried that Joseph would seek revenge.  His response to them was reassuring, and made an important point about God.  "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result to preserve many people alive."  Genesis 50:20 

There are times that God puts a limit on our understanding.  He is Creator.  I am created.  He has full knowledge about everything.  My knowledge is limited!  God did not "rescue" Joseph until the time was right...Pharaoh needed to have his dream.  Joseph needed to be in charge of the food during the famine.  God was at work saving the nation of Israel from destruction again.  He had promised to make a great nation of Jacob's descendants, and He was working out His plan.  I believe the providence of God is the greatest miracle of all.  God is using the "free will" choices of people every where to work out His plan, all the time.  When he was kidnapped, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten, his knowledge of the plan was limited.  What a thrill it must have been for Joseph to at last see the plan unfolding.   

When I am unable to understand why Gary has strange behaviors, that seemingly make him uncomfortable, and I am not given the key to unlock them, I too am limited.   BUT!  I worship the exact same God that Joseph did.  He loves Gary, and He loves me.  I know that He is good and He is always at work. He may not reveal the details of His plan to me, but better yet, He reveals Himself through His word, and I see His character displayed in His care for us!  Of course I will continue to monitor Gary's latest symptoms, try to see what can be done to help him, and do what the Doctor's suggest, but I am not going to fret about them.  I know where this disease is headed, and so for those of you who love Jesus, I would ask for your prayers for Gary's comfort, and my peace.  Meanwhile, the narrative about Joseph, reminds me that the hand of God at work in the lives of men, God keeps His promises, gives us the strength to be faithful during trials and wants us to be closer to Him. My limited understanding of the "created", is the pathway to knowing the Creator.  This comforts me.

Paul prayed for the Colossian believers that they "would be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God strengthened with all power according to His glorious might for the attaining of steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."(Col. 1)  Sounds like Joseph, doesn't it? 


"A woman's got to know her limitations" #2: Rice in a basket

Continuing the series on limitations, here's a fun one...

Limitation # 2: POINTS


I don't know what it is about visual aids with me, but I need to "SEE" things in order to understand.  I have been needing to get rid of some excess poundage, for some time, and decided that I needed a good motivator.  SO, knowing I needed to loose some weight, I bought a large bag of rice at Stater Brothers.  I was in shock to feel how heavy it was!  REALITY CHECK... I would NEVER voluntarily strap that on my back and go about my business.  BUT I had been willingly walking around with it every day for several years!  SO, when I got home, I measured 1 pound of rice into multiple ziplock baggies.   Well, you guessed it...when a pound is lost, a bag of rice goes from the basket to the jar.  When I need motivating or encouragement, I pick up the basket to see how much I have left to loose.  The jar is nearly full, I'm happy to say, and the basket is more than half empty.

I have done LOTS of different kinds of diets, but I have really been enjoying the Weight Watchers plan online since January 1st.  No foods are off limits, and the point system is calculated for you for just about every possible food.  If it's not in their online list, you can fill in the fat, carb, fiber, and protien content, on the website's calculator, and find the point value.  You are given a set number of points for each day, based on how much weight you want to loose, and also a weekly amount that can be used anytime you want in one week, so Grandkids birthday parties, can be enjoyed, and an occasional cookie, or bowl of chips.  These "treats" are fun to look forward to.  I think this kind of a diet is really good because it helps retrain good habits, and choices.  If you choose to blow all the points on a hamburger and fries for lunch, you're going to be very hungry at dinner, so best to choose something more nutritious.  Now an occasional hamburger IS ok, but only within the points you've been given, so hold the cheese please, and maybe cut it in half, and split the fries with someone.  You get the idea.  Instead of the big bowl of ice cream, limit it to 1/2 cup.

Of course exercise is encouraged, and so I have been brisk walking 3 times per week, when Gary is at the Adult Day Health Care.  20 minutes earns 2 points, which can be traded for 2 points of  food, or not.   I like to use that time to pray and enjoy our beautiful Friendly Valley, or Bridgeport Lake in Valencia.
Bridgeport Lake

Friendly Valley











I've been enjoying my food more, the flavors, and the seasonings.  I feel more energetic, and am slowly regaining the use of a few items in my closet.  2/3 of the rice bags are already in the jar, and 1/3 are still in the basket, so I'm not done, but I am looking forward to new habits forming.  Lifestyle change. 

So, along with budgeting TIME,(see last post), I am also budgeting POINTS.  I've got a few more limitations I'm going to share with you in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!

"...do you know know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body."  1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"Whether, then you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  1 Corinthians 10:31 

"A woman's got to know her limitations" #1: Rocks in a Jar

"A woman's got to know her limitations" is a series I'm starting.  Do I sound like Clint Eastwood?  I hope not.  Anyway, I've been thinking about constraints for several weeks, and decided to comment on the current limits in my life.

Limitation #1: TIME

To quote Jim Croce..."If I could put time in a bottle..." well, more of that later, but right now I just want to put some of our Moonstone Beach rocks in a jar...

Empty jar and collected stones

They don't fit...RATS!

OK...let's get organized.

SUCCESS!
"What's my secret?" you ask?
You must load the jar in descending order.  If you start with the small pebbles there will inevitably be no room for the larger stones.  First load the big ones then finish with the little ones.

When Gary was first diagnosed with A.D. his Dr. gave me a book for caregivers called The 36 Hour Day.  I would LOVE to have a 36 hour day and the appropriate amount of energy too because this is a busy season of life for me.  (I'll spare you the details, because many of you are in busy seasons as well, and I'm sure you understand.)  There used to be a time when Gary would help me sort it all out, being very logical, and would help me decide what tasks were most important.  Now he rarely speaks so I have to rely on what I think he would say.  I'm sure he'd tell me to do the most important things first, so they would be sure to get done, and let the less important things sort themselves out.

I never get everything done that I want to, and never will, but I'm comforted by the fact that there is always enough time to do the things God wants me to do.  I want to spend the 24 hours He has given me making a priority of the things God considers most important.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 


"Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest." Prov. 6:6-8
And now...for something completely different:   
I'm smiling just thinking about it...

Watercolor Journals - Sand


 I can almost taste the salt in the air, as the persistent wind blows the sand around.  Along the fence, the little seeds have a chance to settle, and grasses grow in its shelter.  Even though raised in Southern California, our vacations were usually in the mountains, not the beach. (Something about the sand getting tracked into the car…at least that’s what my little girl’s mind remembers.) There was one camping trip to an Oregon beach though. It still stands out as so different than the other camping trips.  I just loved running down the sand dunes with my brother, and being surprised at how the sands overtook pine trees, and mounded up at the sea, only to be rearranged later, to a new location.  Even as a young girl, my senses were impressed.  I will never forget how it felt between my toes, warm in the sun, cool underneath, and how I felt slightly out of control joyously running down the dune.  I’m so glad my parents chose at least one beachy experience for our memory banks.


This monogram was commissioned as a gift for the "Hills" who live in South Florida a short distance from the Atlantic.  May their "beach" days be sweet as well!

Merry Christmas Gary!

Gary is a man who works with his hands.  He enjoys holding and grasping things.  He loves to keep his hands moving, working, exploring.  Gadgets, pliers, key rings, and, increasingly, fabrics.  He has always appreciated nice textures.  I remember walking through department stores with him, and how he would feel the soft fabrics hanging on the racks.

These days, it seems his fingers are covered with velcro.  If he is near a towel bar, he clings to the towel.  If you are helping him dress, he clutches the t-shirt, jacket, or sweater.   I believe he feels secure when holding on to something.  Then he eventually starts manipulating it and seeing how it feels.  He'll pick up the kitchen towel and "pleat" it or fold it, watching how it lays against itself.  If you try to remove it, that's when the clutching begins. I wanted to find him a small "therapeutic" texture quilt so he would have something to hang on to, or enjoy while sitting.  

You can find plenty of  "tactile" things for little babies, but they are juvenile looking.  Many "therapeutic" items are feminine or too complex, etc.  SO I decided to make a unique little quilt specifically for Gary.  It was his Christmas present.  With Alzheimer's Disease, you never know how something is going to be received, but I couldn't have been happier with his response. 

I hope this quilt can be adapted for other A.D. patients, and maybe the close up photos can give a better idea of what I did.  I just kind of made it up, so there's no pattern, but basically I bought the minimum (6") strips of fabric, and I bought them all off the clearance table at Joanne's.  I chose a slightly heavier backing fabric, that had several colors, which I used for the color choices.  I tried to include as many different textures as I could.



Some of the seams have a separate fold sewn in so he can feel the "edge".  The width of each strip is 2" with 1/2" seams.  The over all size is a 26" square.  The boarder is the backing material.  I would recommend using similar weight fabrics, and I think it will need to be dry cleaned, because I am certain all the fabrics do not have the same washing instructions.  When done, I top-stitched around the edge of the border where it joins the strips.  The whole thing cost about $10.