Happy 66th birthday to Craig!
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| Andy, Craig & Cleo |
Craig's mother, his sister Susie and our niece Kelly made the trip over from the Peninsula to help Craig celebrate his birthday on Friday. Chip and Andy were all there and our good friends Cindy Bowers and Jean Linhardt. It was a small, quiet affair as we tried not to over stimulate him.
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| Dodel Family |
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| Chip, Andy, Craig & Cleo |
Relief! Craig is responding very well to the switch up in medications. His rages are down to maybe one a day and only last a few minutes. He is more alert and yesterday I watched as his caregivers helped him to WALK to the toilet and back! As you can see in these photos, he now sits up on his own again!
He talks more as well. The other day he was really wiggling and I asked him "why are you so wiggly?", not expecting a response Craig cried out, "because I have to pee!" I almost fell off my chair. Yesterday he told his Care manager that he wanted to go golfing! Haven't heard that in almost a year!!
Lately on good days, in good moments his brain is allowing connections. Today Chip came to lunch and Craig wasn't aware he was even in the room for quite awhile. Then Craig dozed off for a few minutes. When he awoke I told him Chip was there and he said, “he is?!” then he saw Chip - recognized him - and was very excited to see him – his eyebrows went up, a huge smile came across his face and a big familiar “Heeeey!” came out as Craig reached to greet and hug Chip.. As Chip left they hugged and Chip said, “I love you Dad” and Craig quietly spoke, “love you too”.
Lately on good days, in good moments his brain is allowing connections. Today Chip came to lunch and Craig wasn't aware he was even in the room for quite awhile. Then Craig dozed off for a few minutes. When he awoke I told him Chip was there and he said, “he is?!” then he saw Chip - recognized him - and was very excited to see him – his eyebrows went up, a huge smile came across his face and a big familiar “Heeeey!” came out as Craig reached to greet and hug Chip.. As Chip left they hugged and Chip said, “I love you Dad” and Craig quietly spoke, “love you too”.
It was beautiful.
God is great.
As horrific as this disease is, I am honored and proud to walk by my husband's side through these dark hours, to witness the small miracles of good moments - which to Craig are huge accomplishments, and to support this beautiful, loving man when his life is at it's ugliest. Thank you God, for allowing me to be here with him and for him. And THANK YOU GOD for the immense miracles of your love surrounding us with such devoted and loving family and friends.
God is great. Can't say that enough.
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