Caring for Jim

     Studies show that puzzles and games can help strengthen the memory.  It is suggested that these activities can help off set the deterioration of dementia.  I decided that I would take this information to heart.  I began playing a game or doing a puzzle with Jim daily.  In hopes that this would also help me.     We began playing easy games such as Sorry or Candyland.  Jim would pick a card and then ask me what to do with it.  He was not able to recall the uncomplicated rules.  I quickly tired of Sorry and Candyland, one day I pulled out the checkers.  Jim used surprising strategy and quickly won me.  Wow!  Then one day I decided to be brave and pulled out Scrabble.  I was amazed as he placed words that he had probably not used in years.         We have adjusted the rules to include a little bit of creativity.  If it is a word that I feel is a good word for a a 86 year ol...

       It was 5:00 AM on a Thursday morning.  My husband just realized that he had a five day weekend.  He suggested that we leave that night and travel the twelve hours to meet our son's finacee.  That was a great idea.  The problem was what to do with Jim.  It was too much time in the car for Jim.  We also had no place that he could stay when we got there.   I dramatically told Monte that I would just stay home and take care of Jim.  Monte would not hear of that.  As he walked out the door to work he told me to figure it out, we were leaving that night.  It took three calls and Jim was covered for the weekend.  I spent the day preparing  the schedule for the help. I stewed over the arrangements like a Mother Hen. Jim told me that he could take care of himself.  I made the arrangments despite his confidence.     We left that night. We  met the beautiful girl that would soon become part...