...but he has good buddies now

He is very well cared for at the Claire Bridge Memory Care Facility, and has a good sense of community and involvement. He takes the women there for walks with him, by pushing their wheelchairs or by walking up to a staff member, offering a hug and hello, and linking arms with them for a walk in the corridor around the courtyard. The administrator is very welcoming to him, allowing him to visit in her office for hours while she works and he naps or quietly sits.

He just passed his 83rd birthday. A card from John in New Zealand was the only one that was sent. Thank you John and Mary! I brought him a new suitcoat and hat and got him a haircut and he enjoyed getting all spiffed up.

I miss my buddy

I miss hearing him say, in a deep voice, "Hallo, hallo!".

I miss doing the grocery shopping with him, having him push the cart around and help me load and unload all the bags.

I miss making him his nightly yogurt parfait with fruit and granola and a drizzle of huckleberry syrup.

I miss the sparkle of recognition. I miss that he knew who I was.

I miss tucking him in at night.

Merry Christmas!

Grandpa and Gabe Dec 2011