Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri feels like she kind of bottomed out this past week. She does not think there is anything in particular thing that caused it... life in general she thinks. It seems so hard to find her new road map to life. She is not looking for sympathy, it is just a self observation. We all have our journeys. Sheri is going to try to immerse herself in the Word of God, because she knows He is the way, the truth, and the light.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Although "the boys" started out adjusting well, things have gotten a little rocky. The night before last "Al" did not sleep at all and as a result was quite cranky yesterday. He appeared to be on warp speed, and having difficulty focusing on any one thing. "Al" was eating so fast he did not really breathe and had that pounding on Bob's chest thing going on. Sheri knows they will be assessing his medications this week to see if they can calm him down. The smaller night staff is not equipped to handle a boss running on empty, and just watching him gave Sheri anxiety. :(

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri has a meeting today, about a potential placement location. She feels like she is in a fog ... a dense, heavy, thick fog. Her chest is tight with the thickness of her fear and she cannot breathe.
Somebody please  pause, praise and pray because Sheri is angry and not on speaking terms with God at the moment.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri struggles each day to keep all the balls up in the air, but each day after taking a deep breath, she remembers everything God has carried her through in the last year, and she knows her life and this journey in the Alzheimer world has a purpose. She will take refuge in the arms of the Lord.

Psalm 71:1  In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri does not understand how "Al" can have this incredible amount of cognitive impairment, and yet be able to talk and whistle almost simultaneously and without hesitation.  

What a very strange disease.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob can work for hours on his on his nuts and bolts. "Al" has been working intently on them and is apparently trying to do some type of math to, as Bob says "get them all figured out." But if you look closely you will see that it is just randomness.
Simple pleasures, Sheri . Simple pleasures :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri took Bob and "Al" to the park for some much needed photography time. She was excited when she saw an eagle there."Al" was excited too. He turned to Sheri and said "Darn, I should have brought the eagle I saw too."
? :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri snuck outside early this morning with her coffee and camera, hoping Bob and "Al" would stay in bed just a little bit longer. That little bit of time by herself gives her time to think and breathe. She needs that desperately, alone time is hard to come by. The crisp cool air this morning is just what Sheri needed and hearing the sparrow sing gave her such hope.
 Simple pleasures Sheri, simple pleasures.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob and "Al" were excited to see the majestic eagles over the weekend too. Bob say "wow they are great", "Al" said "I bet if we feed them, they will come to the house."
Sheri better be careful, next thing"Al" will be inviting them in with the chickadees and cardinals. :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri took Bob to Target yesterday, grocery shopping day. The temp was about 15 degrees but the wind was wicked. Sheri parked, hung the handicap sticker, instructed Bob to take off his seat belt and get out of the car. When Sheri got out she realized Bob was having trouble shutting the car door. So she walked over and helped him close it. Thinking he was right behind her she started walking behind the car, to head towards the store. When she turned around to wait for him Bob was nowhere to be found. Sheri panicked for a moment, until she realized  "Al" had forgotten if they were coming or going and was back inside the car :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Most days Sheri feels like her head is above water, even if only barely above water. She woke up today with an intense feeling of being lost in her life. Then she thought of how Bob must feel lost in the life of "Al".
Sheri hates this disease.

Luke 19:10 
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” 

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob was apparently "extremely" busy at work (code for Adult Day Center) yesterday. "Al" reviewed all the personnel files and looked at what department they all worked in. He said he "tried to decide if he could move them around a bit, but you know that doesn't always work out because some of them can only do one job ." Sheri enjoyed the short conversation, even though that is the only thing Bob said the rest of the evening. Oh wait... he did mention fixing the boiler yesterday too. :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

One of "Al's" new favorite activities, putting nuts on bolts. Sheri is so glad Bob still has the dexterity to do this. Part of her never ending quest to keep "Al" active and involved. One of the hardest things to remember, is that activity's Sheri gives Bob now, do not have to have the same type of purpose as in Bob's real life past. She just tries to find a familiar snippet of a function Bob used to do, simplify it as much as possible and then hopefully "Al" will be able to do it. Trial and error.  :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri is so blessed to have had her daughters here for the holidays. Daughter Number 1, the one who wears her heart on her sleeve and Daughter Number 2 the one who shields her heart with her sleeve, have grown into such wonderful young women. They do their best to support Sheri, and they see her daily struggles. They have learned to accept "Al" for who he is and still love him as their Dad.
Sheri loves them so very much.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Music is a wonderful thing for an Alzheimer victim. "Al" was not in the mood to sing here, but he was whistling and slapping away!  Video takes a few seconds to start.

Post by Sheri Zschocher.

Living with Bob and "Al"

                                             

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Living with Bob and "Al"

Like for many, Christmas and the holidays, have changed over the years. As she watches Bob fade into the shadows, Sheri cares less and less about the material things of this world and more about family, friends and enjoying time together.
 Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, stay safe and hug your loved ones.


John 3:16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob is not sure about who is who of his sisters anymore. Sheri invited his youngest sister and her husband over to the house to play the piano and spend some time with him, Sheri knows "Al" is getting worse and does not want any regrets along the way. Anyway, when they left, Sheri asked Bob if he knew who that was. "Al" paused for a long moment of thought and said questioningly "One of the girls?" Sheri was pleased he knew at least that, since he had 8 sisters, and 8 names to choose from. :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri does not understand why sometimes Bob is able to communicate his thought clearly yet other times "Al" speaks and the words are clear, but they don't make sense. Yesterday Bob said "Oh, I did not tell you. The lady, this project (pointing to the folding table), the couch, the cat..... but a.. it can't.
And that was that.
Miss firing brain connectors she supposes :(

Living with Bob and "Al"

Bob was drinking his coffee yesterday morning when  "Al" turned to her and said " You know who I haven't  heard from lately... Iris." Sheri was caught of guard, Iris his oldest sister died many, many years ago 1984 Sheri thinks. Sheri has known for a while that Bob has moved into losing long term memory but she just was not prepared for this stage. Sheri just nodded, and redirected the conversation.
Subtle changes,  Sheri hates this disease.