I was playing around on picmonkey the other night with some flower shots and special effects. Would you like to see? I had planned to link up with a special party on the weekend, but other things got in the way and I had no time to join, so I'll just show you the photos.
The "other" things being my dad's imminent move to a new residence ... yes, we were able to snag that available room, and he moves on Thursday!
I have a couple of concerns. He's not quite as advanced into his dementia as the other residents, and I hope this doesn't upset him that he's being placed in this secure (locked) floor. It's tricky timing for this disease. He's too far gone to receive proper care in his current retirement home. But he's not so far gone to be locked in just yet. But the new place has determined he needs the care provided on this secure floor, so that is where he'll be living.
Well, we shall see how he feels about that on Thursday I guess. Obviously, we won't be dwelling on it. He can't walk far, and the third floor has everything he needs (dining room, lounge and even an outdoor porch with comfy cushions on wicker chairs).
My other fear is that his furniture will not all fit in this new, smaller room! I know it won't all fit, but can't be sure what can stay until the day of the move. Could be a bit of shuffling around and a trip (or two) to the goodwill store before the day is out.
We had to pack up his small items (everything but furniture) on Saturday and bring it all home. If we left the packed boxes in his room, you can be sure he would have gone through every box and most likely put a lot of it back in his dressers and bookcases. I took this opportunity to go through everything and toss a lot of garbage. It's heartbreaking the number of little notes he scribbles down and tucks into books and photo albums. Lists of "Those Who Loved Me and Whom I Have Loved" (I was relieved to see my name and my siblings and grandkids all on that list!). Also dates of importance to him. "Arrived in Canada 1952", but then the kicker of "Kids moved me in here and took the keys to my home Feb 2011". ouch
I couldn't keep the notes as they just hurt too much to want to read more than once. But it does show where his mind is at. I think I'll do up a list somehow with photos and dates of importance for him to hang on his wall. We already have a framed family tree with photos for him to refer to, and it helps a lot when we come to visit and he questions who we are and who are our children.
So another move for him. I hope this is where he can remain till the end of his days. The place has a really good feel to it, and every staff member I met was so helpful and upbeat, with a good sense of humor about the whole situation. My dad still has his sense of humor and showed it well during a recent assessment by a crusty social worker (who thankfully was not affiliated with the new place or I would have had my doubts about moving him!). But most encouraging is that he's looking forward to a change, and even remembered he's moving on Thursday ... fingers crossed!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wendy
The photos you created are gorgeous Wendy! WOW! You really need to frame some of those...they look so whimsical and would make really cool art and even cards! Fantastic! I am so glad that you feel good about where your father will be. And I think that idea about making him a chart with important dates on it is a wonderful idea. Sending you think thoughts this week during this transition for your dad and your family. All the best...Nicole xoxo
ReplyDeleteThese are really interesting. I especially like the one of the rabbit statue. Picmonkey is really fun! I've only played with it a little so far but I liked it.
ReplyDeleteI love what you've been doing with your pics Wendy, that is exciting stuff!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that the move for your Dad is actually happening and that he will be safe there with no chance of wandering off and getting lost. It's a traumatic time for him and you and I wish you peace and ease of heart to help carry you through this difficult time. I do think it's such a good idea to write him names and dates etc. to display where he has easy access to the information, and I'm so happy that he still has his sense of humour for that will take him far. Be gentle on yourself lovely! xoJoy
Fingers crossed the move goes to plan & that you are able to get through it. such an awfully traumatic time for you all. Take care. xx
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous and such fun. I love the special effects. 'Tis wonderful news that you have found a place in this new home. It does sound very positive and if the staff are upbeat with wonderful senses of humour, that would make a world of difference. A lovely porch with wicker chairs and comfy chairs...that would be where I would be heading each day. The list idea sounds like a great idea. Thinking of you as you settle your dad into his new home. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are beautiful, just as though fairy dust has been sprinkled and settled over them all. I really hope that everything goes well for your Dad and you too, I think that your list of dates is a great idea and the picture family tree as well. The notes are so sad, and I guess a reflection as you say of his health problems, almost as though he is trying to keep track of things even if he isn't aware of why. Take care of yourself and you know that I will be thinking of you. It sounds as though his new home is a very good one from what you have said and that is a good thing. xxxx
ReplyDeleteI like the magical effect you gave to each photo and stardust is perfect sprinkled across some.
ReplyDeleteYour dad may have difficulty adjusting for the first week or so but will settle in and be comfortable. Where my late mother was, a few that could still function were given jobs to do like folding towels and they felt so important. Just keep in mind that change is hard for people like your dad and he may say hurtful things at first because he is scared of the new surroundings.
Hugs,
We are going through this with my Mom for a year now-it is so sad-this is a horrible disease-hugs
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Wendy, and hoping that this new move works out well for your Dad. You'r a lovely daughter who only wants the best for him, and I'm sure he knows that xxx
ReplyDeletePS: your pics are fab!
Love Claire xxx
My Alice in Wonderland would love to visit your magical garden! What lovely photos. I'm wishing everyone the very best this week. I hope things turn out well in this move. I know it's hard....I'm keeping you all in my prayers. Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteLovely Wendy so sorry I haven't been around for a while - been sooo busy and for all the wrong reasons. What a gorgeous garden and wonderful photographs as always from you Wendy. I do hope everything goes well with your lovely Dad's move Wendy, will be thinking of you - so great to be visiting you again, just catching up with all your fabulous posts. Big hugs and loves
ReplyDeleteDorothyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I do hope everything goes smoothly with your Dad and his new adventure. I love how caring and considerate you are of his memories and the idea of doing a dates wall is just super nice! Have a ggod wek my friend xxx Hazel x
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well with your dad's move Wendy. It is very difficult when this need arises, all you can do is for the safest and best for them. The staff sound wonderful-they were like that in my Mum's place, they really did love her and she delighted in that. Take care xx
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Wendy, I hope that the transition the new environment will go smoothly. Love the special effect on those photographs. have a wonderful day- Gaia
ReplyDeleteBlessings to your Dad and all your family. Thinking of you all. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this post ('enjoy' is not the right word, but you know what I mean), I appreciate your balance of rather tricky life situations with the beautiful, but darkened and mysterious, garden photos. I appreciate what you're going through with your father, and the hodge-podge of emotions that brings with it (it's not necessarily all doom and gloom, you thankfully manage a smile or happy memory here and there). I wish you luck and strength for the move day, and that your father settles peacefully and remembers how much he is loved. Chrissie x
ReplyDeleteYour photo's are amazing Wendy, it looks like a magical fairy land. I hope all goes well with the move on Thursday, try not to worry, I'm sure that it will all go well on the day. I will be thinking about you all. :) xxx
ReplyDeleteYour pics are lovely, thanks for sharing them. It's hard to watch a loved one go through these things, so I hope that your dad's move goes well and smoothly, and that he settles in well to his new home.
ReplyDeleteSending you a big hug :-)
Xx
Good grief those photos are spectacular! I know what a tough stage of dementia this is for your dad, but mostly for you and all the emotions that go along with putting him in a secure unit. It is so difficult. I will be praying for you. I've traveled this road with my mother. The hardest part is when you visit and they want to go home with you but can't. I hope you have a lot of support.
ReplyDeleteI really love those photos, they are amazing.
ReplyDeleteMarianne x
I hope all goes well for your Dad on Thursday. His new place sounds lovely, I'm sure he'll be well looked after :-)
ReplyDeleteYour photos look great! The last one is my favourite!
Sarah x
Fun pictures! Sounds like such a challenge...all you're going through with your dad....the changes, the decisions and, I'm sure, the stress. Sounds like you're doing the right thing, even though it's hard. I hope it works out well for him!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flower photos! And I do hope your Dad can adjust to his new surroundings. I'll be visiting my Dad at the nursing home tomorrow. He still knows me, which is a big plus.
ReplyDelete