Living with Bob and "Al"

Some times Sheri has nothing to say, and she is learning that the silence can bring comfort too.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Everyday when Sheri picks Bob up from "work" (code for Adult Day Center), there is a sweet lady that sits by counter waiting and waiting. She is as sweet as they come. Everyday she tells Sheri "that Bob left with a blonde." Sheri always smiles at that, but this morning klepto "Al" had Bob's pants pockets full of Sheri's jewelry.... so maybe the sweet little lady really does know something Sheri doesn't know :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

"Al's" behaviors have become more challenging. Taking him to church is really not an option anymore. Daughter number two and her husband, said they are willing to go to a different service (instead of all of us going together) so they can watch the boy's for Sheri so she can attend a service. Sheri thinks they are going to have to give that a try.
Sheri's daughters have grown into such strong compassionate women... she is very blessed.

Living with Bob and "Al"

The holidays are tough. Sheri needs to get over herself and do life the best she can .... one moment at  a time. She has a roof over head, a job and food on the table...and thankfully a sense of humor. She knows God has a plan for her life, she just hasn't seen the blue print yet.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri needs to make a note to self, even things not meant to come apart can come apart in the hands of a strong ex-handyman :(

Living with Bob and "Al"

All Sheri can say this morning is thank you to all her friends for the wonderful bridal shower for Daughter Number One. They made it a His and Hers Shower so that the other men could hang out with Bob and "Al" God is good!

Living with Bob and "Al"

If Sheri were honest she would tell you she struggles deeply with loneliness. The ability to hold a true conversation, discuss life's celebrations and tragedies is something others probably do not cherish enough. Even a simple comforting hug or touch of the hand, should not be taken for granted.

Psalm 73:23

Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Living with Bob and "Al"

 Sheri is wondering if she can convince Bob to explain to "Al" they are retired and should try to sleep in, because It is 6:00 am on a Saturday, and "Al" wants to know the "itinerary".
Gonna be a loooooong day.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri does not understand what this is about but it is happening all the time now, and she could not convince Bob to speak with "Al' about walking with Bob's head up. As a result the "boys" ran in to several people and a few grocery carts along the way.
Oy vey.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri found herself watching some old home videos over the weekend, you know the kind she means. The ones that seem to go on forever, filming what now looks like silly nothingness, but at the time she was sure every moment counted. As she watched Bob cuddle and hold a conversation with his new baby daughter, his first child, Sheri touched those emotions she keeps hidden deep, for fear of starting a flood she can't control. As it turns out every moment did count... the dam will break eventually.


 

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri tries hard to find a balance of living in the moment and planing for the future. It is a very difficult task. She often thinks about the expected "boom" of people affected by this disease. The world is nowhere near ready. It will take a specialized army of professionals willing to challenge the current methods of care and finding affordable options for care for these individuals. Sheri knows there are a lot of good things happening in this arena, but she is sure like for herself, the task is overwhelming. Sheri knows there are no easy answers she is just speaking her fears out loud.
Sheri needs to pause, praise and pray.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Daughter Number One ( The one who wears her heart on her sleeve) picked up " Bob and "Al" from "work" (code for Adult Day Center) one day last week, when Sheri had to work late. They were driving down the road when Bob apparently suggesting stopping to pick some of the purple flowers growing in  someone yard because "purple is Mom's favorite color". Daughter Number One was elated that he remembered Sheri's favorite color.  So figuring her Dad was having a good memory day she said "and what is your favorite color Dad?"  To which "Al" replied " I think I will just stick with Usingers bratwurst." Well, he was there in the moment :)
Small Blessings and simple pleasures.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri needs to make a note to self, keep door alarm set even during the day... "Al" over shot the bathroom by about 10 steps. :(

Living with Bob and "Al"

Interestingly enough, Sheri's interest and love of photography was born out of  trying to find something Sheri could do from home with Bob and "Al". It turned out to be something that has opened up a whole new world of creativity for her. Most weekends Sheri loads the "boy's" in the car and drives to .... well anywhere, and searches for God's beauty in nature. Focusing on what she sees through the lens, distracts her from what she sees in her everyday world and allows her to breath deeply, if only for a moment.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob has been very frustrated at "work" (code for Adult Day Center) again. "Al" told Sheri, with Bob's jaw clenched tight  that " His people need a class in initiative. "  :)
Oy vey....

Living with Bob and "Al"

4:30 am at the start of a 3 day weekend."Al" has Bob's shoes (and PJ's) on and wants to know "the plan." Sheri thinks it is going to be a very long weekend.
Sheri needs to pause, praise and pray.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri does not understand what causes Bob to get so dizzy and kind of melt to the ground, with some jerking thrown in, in the middle of the night. it happens at least once a week now and "Al" does not like it one bit, and needless to say, Sheri is none to excited about it either.
:(

Living with Bob and "Al"

"Al's" pockets brought Sheri quite a haul from "work" (code for Adult Day Center) yesterday. Sheri better be careful she may start getting billed for Bob's "work supplies."  :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri knows God has a plan for her life. For many years she has hoped this was not it. Recently she changed her thought process from "please let this not be the plan", to realizing that "this may very well be the plan..." and it is okay.
1Samuel 3:7-11
10: ...speak Lord, for your servant is listening.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob and "Al" are obsessed with choir at "work" (code for Adult Day Center). So Sheri knows it will be a long weekend when Bob, still laying in bed, puts his "work" name tag on his PJ's , and slips his pencil in his pocket at 5:30 in the morning. :)
Calgon take me away.