The end of the year is a good time to look back and try to access the situation. It may be a bit early but Siem and I are going to be on the go till after New Year's. And I just finished sending an email to all the family members who will be celebrating together at Lakeside OH, with an account of Siem's "progress".
And I had to conclude that on the whole this year has been a disappointment because the hoped for results of Exelon -- which he started about a year ago -- did not materialize. I hoped that this would be a "stable" year in which we could still travel and have adventures. Instead there has been a gradual but steady decline.
At the beginning of the year he was doing many things he can now no longer do: taking his own medicine, counting out pills for the day-boxes, managing his own photos on the computer, looking in the TV guide for a program and then turning it on. All those things, and much more is gone. He's slowing down in so many ways, is often confused, and loses his way even right here in town.
On the other hand there are good things: he sleeps well, takes his medicine, is usually willing to take a bath when I want him to, has become much more cooperative and cheerful since taking Risperdal, is still able to cycle, go to movies and concerts and visit with friends. And he has started day care. In the morning, he likes to snuggle in bed again; for a while, he didn't. So that is warm and comfy and a blessing.
I'm afraid to think what may change in 2010, so I won't think about that, but enjoy the family during Christmas and then take each day in the new year as it comes, being thankful for what it still here.
I probably won't be posting, so Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope to see you all again in the New Year.
Wow, I looked back at 2009 and got so depressed, I could not put it all in print. Please, bring on 2010, may we all have a little bit of joy in each new day.
2009 has gone by so fast and it had good days and bad days. I prefer to remember the good days. The older you get the faster time seems to fly so you younger ones try to enjoy some things along the way.