"I'm Gonna Die Soon"

The other day Craig started crying, so I asked him "what are you crying about?"  He looked me straight in the eye and said very clearly, "I'm gonna die soon".  My heart sank, with a huge lump in my throat, we then had a long talk about how everybody dies and about Heaven and God and Jesus. I am grateful to walk along side Craig through his valley of the shadow of death, to comfort him; I feel honored and privileged to be his love and to love him. And I'll be honest with you, moments like that just rip me to hell and back inside and stay with me constantly.

Craig has been doing so well the past few weeks. Making good, intentional eye contact. More words were coming through - that made sense. The other day he even intentionally put his arm around me - brings tears just to think about it - and kissed me passionately. 

The tide was in.

Since Wednesday the tide has been receding. He's being sucked out to sea again. Today I don't think he understood who I am. The relentless ocean of Alzheimer's.

Recently his Dr. lowered his Zyprexa dosage. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.

Please pray he stays calm and happy. Thank you.

Craig's Claremont McKenna College roommate, Doug Kneeland and wife Millie came into town and stopped for a few hours to visit Craig. 

Craig and Doug played for Claremont's football and golf teams together. 

Craig held up pretty well through the visit and when we thought he was napping he perked up with an answer to a question about his past. Love it. 

You never know when he's listening and what is making sense to him. I'm just assuming he hears and understands everything at all times.

Good friends make good times. 

Thank you Doug and Millie for making the time on your trip to hang out with Craig. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

(Hey, how did Millie escape my camera?)