Category: Journal Entry

I settle in on a cold Sunday to watch two NFL playoff games after I get Don started on his TV. He watches from a warm and cozy bed, not wanting to brave the cool temperatures. Beginning the 4th quarter of Game #1, Don appears at the bottom of the stairs to my office. All…

The weekend began with a whirlwind of chores connected with the arrival of birthday and Christmas guests. Hunter arrived early for Don’s birthday, which is Dec 22, and Jillian, Kevin & Greg arriving Dec 23 for a Christmas at the coast. I made all 7 beds, cleaned the bathrooms, and mopped the floors. Hunter and…

Hunter stopped in for a couple of days to visit his dad for his 74th birthday. We got updates on Hunter’s back and leg issues that are affecting his ability to walk under his own power without pain. This morning Don and I have a conversation.  Don: Have you spoken with Hunter recently? Kristy: Nonstop…

Twenty-four hours after a phantom tractor infiltrated our beautiful neighborhood, I entered Don’s room with a ready-made breakfast and coffee. Sniffing the air, like a 4-legged domestic pet, Don looks straight at me.  Don: I smell the perfume of a female. Is it you?  Kristy: Not me, I didn’t use any. No one else in…

Don: Have you seen Hunter lately?  Kristy: No.  Don: Damn.  Kristy: What do you need?  Don: I need to know if you’ve seen Hunter lately?  Kristy: It’s Tuesday. He works.  Don: Damn. Kristy: He visits once or twice a month. Why would you expect to see him more often?  Don: It’s been a really long…

Another morning of confusion, hallucinations, and defiant assurance there’s no one more sure of what’s what than Don.  A dark, gray, and drizzly morning hugs our section of the ocean, one which Don can see clearly from his bedroom. In fact, he’s the only one with such a grand view from our house. One must…

Today we celebrate the 3rd New Year’s Day since Don’s stroke in 2022, but we are also starting the 30th month. It has become more difficult each month for both of us. I still try to find the humor and today we had another brief discussion about college football.  Kristy: Lots of football to watch…

I love Sunday morning conversations with Don because there are so many options for TV watching while eating breakfast. In the holiday spirit, I’m gonna light him up like a Christmas tree.  Kristy: Choices today include golf, NFL, last season of Yellowstone or more Food Network.  Don: Pumpkin pie! Kristy: No pie, dude, you finished…

In the absence of college football on a Saturday afternoon, I quiz Don on what TV shows he is most interested in as a substitute. He picks a long-standing favorite of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. Closer to dinnertime, I check in with him and start getting him prepped for the evening meal. …

Don: What’s that smell? Kristy: Pizza or Pumpkin Pie.  Don: It smells funny. How do you know it’s pizza or pumpkin pie?  Kristy: Because I just ate the pizza you declined for lunch and baked the pumpkin pie sitting on the kitchen counter.  Don: I guess I will have pie.  Kristy: I guess you will…