Author: Jensen

Personal hygiene is a daily struggle with Don. His former self would be horrified at what he currently shrugs off as not important. Trust me, mister, it’s important. A man who has struggled with psoriasis most of his adult life cannot afford to ignore good skin care. My advice is ignored. His go-to excuse changes…

Mr. Fixit: Good Morning.  Don: Where did you sleep?  Mr. Fixit: Downstairs.  Don: I was swirling my way down on a slide to those bedrooms.  Kristy: Did you dream this journey down a swirling slide?  Don: No, it was real.  Kristy: What a thrill so early in the day.  Don: My shoes don’t fit, and…

At 11:30 p.m., I hear Don making noise in the direction of the kitchen, which is off limits for him. I intervene.  Kristy: What are you looking for? Don: I need a ride home.  I descend the stairs from my office, sitting down on the step that puts me closest to Don’s eye level. His feet…

I start my day by entering the Don Chamber. I discover my jewelry dragged out of a dresser drawer, where I store it, and scattered all over the room.  Kristy: What are you looking for? Don: All those keys to the boat.  Kristy: Where is the boat? Don: You are standing in it.  Kristy: This…

Don complained his room is locked and nobody has keys. I try to be patient and sit down to listen.  Don: I bet the housekeeper has keys. She is strange.  Kristy: …. and you think I would give keys to someone strange? Don: You know what I mean. Kristy: I’m not sure you even know…

The housekeeper and I spent a huge portion of yesterday cleaning, laundering, sweeping, and airing out every room in the house. Not much sleep for me the last 2 nights as laundry after the last guests layered the entire hallway outside the laundry room. Short on sleep, patience, and energy, I open the door to…

Don left a handwritten note for me today that was carefully anchored under his Smart TV. Apparently, he didn’t want it to get away. The note is referring to doors and gates in our 3-story house that are locked at night when everyone should be sleeping. Key word there is everyone. Don has never relearned…

I spent my morning on a video trial website for a speeding ticket issued to Don. The ticket was issued for a date after Don’s stroke, and there was absolutely no way he could have been the driver. With a Power of Attorney, I was able to represent Don in the video hearing and explained to…

Lunch hour at the dining table and Don is waiting for the freshest batch of baked chocolate chip cookies. Tapping his fingers impatiently on the table must have been from extra energy or boredom.  Don: When will the funds arrive today? Kristy: What funds? Don: The usual.  Kristy: Getting delivered how?  Don: By train.  Kristy:…

For years, my home has coveted Sundays as a binge-worthy day for our favorite sports. No matter the season, there seems to be more than one sport to follow at any time. February to Thanksgiving each year is the NASCAR race season, kicked off every February with Daytona 500. Those close to us know not…