Category: Journal Entry

Don is watching Eagles v. Commanders NFL game.   Kristy: Wow, Eagles look a little off balance at the start of this game.  Don: Did you see Landon playing?   Kristy: Landon who? Someone from Oregon State?   Don: No, #38 for the Captains. Washington.   Kristy: OK, you mean the Washington Commanders?  Don: Yeah.   Kristy: Landon who? …

A long-time friend asked me if Don has a shred of anything left of his prior personality before stroke. Does he connect on any level? My answer was not anymore. He wandered out to the kitchen on Sunday, wanting to know where is the bathroom? A bathroom that is located 6 feet from his recliner…

Kristy: Would you like a hot cup of coffee on this chilly November morning?  Don: No, I’m leaving.  Kristy: Leaving to go where? Don: To go home.  Kristy: This is your home. Why is that so hard to understand? Don: I don’t know. Maybe because everything changed.  Kristy: I understand change and unfamiliarity, but you’ve…

It is that time of year when waking up at 7:00 a.m. finds us in the dark and experiencing much cooler temperatures. So hard to tell yourself to get out of bed. After turning on all kinds of lights to navigate, without bumping into everything, I ascend the stairs to see if Don is ready…

Bruce stopped in to visit and pick up empty cans. What a great way to recycle guest leftovers. After usual topics of discussion, like sports, family, friends, fishing, and food, Don interrupts and looks at me.  Don: When you die, where do I find my food? Bruce and I both look at Don with the…

Don has cycled through falling incidents on and off since his stroke. This past week was another trip-and-fall streak, taking a tumble almost every day. Today I find him between his bed and recliner. He is on his back, camping out on the floor with pillows and blankets. I give him instructions on how to…

Saturday morning means college football. I find Don half-in and half-out of bed. He has removed his pajamas and underwear and found a pair of Levi jeans to replace both. No underwear. He appears to be agitated.  Kristy: Now, you know, old man, you can’t wear those Levi jeans because you cannot zip, unzip, button…

Kristy: Do you want another cup of coffee with Cool Whip?   Don: That would be wonderful. He turns and looks out the window.  I see 4 cars parked across the street at the neighbor’s house.   Don: How many people are staying at Hunter’s house across the street?  Kristy: When have you ever lived across the…

Hunter cooked chili that included everything but the kitchen sink. It is now my all-time favorite. Hunter: Dad, do you want some cheese, onions, and sour cream on your chili? Don: Is it White House chili? Hunter: No, it’s homemade chili that I made this morning. You watched me do it.  Don: No, I’m not…

Football has always been a top subject of discussion in this household for decades. Whether NFL, college, or high school, Don and I have missed very few opportunities to observe more than a couple of games every weekend.  High school football for Kevin, Greg, and Derrick was great family fun and worth the travel time.…