"Who Am I Poppy?"

Teresa, our caregiver, comes to my father's home every morning and evening to take care of him. She does a lot of work tending to my dad.  He knows who Teresa is and is grateful for her care.  She is a great relief for our family.  In between, Cassie is there to assist my dad with his daily needs. She essentially "senior sits". We (Hugh, Becky, Janna, and I) rotate filling in here and there when needed, but Cassie is really the mainstay. Cassie also has her four entertaining boys to care for in the mix. What a household!  We are so thankful for her service.

Every day Cassie asks her grandfather if he knows who she is.  He doesn't or at least doesn't respond like he knows even though Cassie tells him every day. It is what it is; my dad has Alzheimer's.  Anyway, Cassie took a respite for a few days last weekend.  After she came home, my dad, who most of the time doesn't know who Cassie is, recognized her and even called her by name.  He seemed happy to see her.  She was so pleased by his awareness and energy.  They visited for awhile and Cassie took pictures of the happy moment.

Cassie with Poppy, happy because he knew who she was.

Poppy and Boys

“A true friend [/granddaughter]

knows your weaknesses

but shows you your strengths;

feels your fears but fortifies your faith;

sees your anxieties but frees your spirit;

recognizes your disabilities

but emphasizes your possibilities.”

 William Arthur Ward