The reality of thinking of other things

Oh dear. I have not thought of Mom for several days.

I mentioned this once before but it just struck me how quickly I am
sliding into the new reality that she is where she is and Dad is
where he is and I am at home and work and this is the way it is going
to be for awhile.

I am not discontent with this, it is just an interesting feeling to
go, "oh, Mom is probably in the hall way of her care center rolling
along in her chair mumbling confusion to herself, that should be
upsetting me, shouldn't it?"

But it is not as upsetting as it was a week ago or a month ago. This
is the new reality. Our lives are beginning to go on.

Dad is struggling. He pointed out that they have been married 52
years and the missing companion is what he misses. He went to visit
her a few days ago and she recognized him for just a few seconds,
told one of the staff, "hey look, there is my husband", and then it
was gone, about that fast. He knows the reality that there is no
sliding back to "normal" but the mind and heart play tricks with the
head and he found it quite upsetting. He cried and he does not do
that often.

A number of family, cousins and such of my mother's are being very
supportive. Several older relatives are staying in touch with Dad,
with me, by phone and email, Thanks Jerry and Dorothy.