"It's Ok He's Still Grandpa"

A few weeks ago I was asked to pick Walter up from daycare and after picking him up and loading him in the pickup, I told him that we needed to go pick Grandpa Greg up at Day Break. ( I pick up Walter first because that's the easiest way with the flow of traffic). After buckling Walter in his car seat and starting down the road, he started in with his inquisitive 100 questions. Why does Grandpa Greg go to Day Break? Why does he have problems with his memory? What is Alzheimer's? Have you ever tried to explain Alzheimer's Disease to an all to smart for his age 4 year old? I did so to the best of my knowledge with 100 more questions being asked and in the end Walter stated

"It's OK Grandma he's still Grandpa and I still love him."

So as I sat reminiscing and watching Greg the other night I was reminded that Greg is still Greg, even though people don't see him that way. People tend to shy away from Greg when we are out in public, which is probably why Greg chooses to stay at home or when we do go out in public he chooses to stay by my side or by the boys' side; because that his place of security, familiarity and he can talk to me and the boys. People don't know what to say to Greg or how to interact with him, therefore they tend to ignore him. You can still talk to Greg you just need to be prepared to talk about the past or he might surprise you and talk about what is going on the the present. Just remember that he is still the Greg that you have always known and loved. He hasn't changed; it's the disease of Alzheimer's that has changed him. Greg is still the same mellow, lovable guy he always was,  he would still ride bicycles if he had someone to ride with. The reality is Greg is still Greg, he still hears and sees all that is going on around him, he still wants to engage with those around him, the disease is what has changed him and made him the way that he is now.


In addition to Greg being who he is I am still who I always was, yes I am more attentive to Greg's needs, just because that's who I am, I don't like to see him struggle or see anyone struggle for that matter  ( I guess that's the nurse in me).  I do not look at Greg's Alzheimer's as a burden but as an opportunity to use the nursing skills that I have acquired to care for the one that I love and vowed to care for in "sickness and in health 'till death do us part." I still like to be involved in other things and like to be asked to go places and do things with friends and the girls, yes I might not always be able to go but don't be afraid to ask; the answer could very well be yes. I'm still finding my way through everything with Greg and sometimes get bored just sitting at home, although that rarely happens. I'm also very willing to answer questions about Alzheimer's Disease, if I don't have the answer, I'll do my best to find it.