You will never guess what happened last night.
I was just finishing up some work on my laptop when I decided to go into the kitchen to get a drink ready for when I would sit outside as it was still really sunny when my mobile rang. It was Dad's care home, and so I picked up tentatively, wondering what scrape Dad had got into this time.
It was actually Dad. Now I know some of you are at the stage where your PWD calls every ten minutes, but Dad hasn't actually thought to call me in 18 months. That's not true, I think he thinks of calling me but doesn't actually do it. He wanted to know if I wanted to come over for supper tomorrow, bless him.
Nothing was wrong, but he was a bit bored, can't go out, and so on. I had to tell him that I couldn't come tomorrow because of the virus but I would come down as soon as possible. I also reminded him that I was still quite far away - he thinks I'm round the corner lately, when he always used to know where I lived before that.
I was quite the disappointment as I think he was hoping I was having a more interesting life, but obviously, we're not right now! I did tell him about the plans we had to go campervanning and that I had a new job - which I hadn't bothered telling him before as he didn't really seem interested and I thought he'd forget anyway
Interestingly he still thinks I'm married to Liam. I've never actually known a Liam. I think perhaps his favourite carer has a Liam. He'll be at the home a few more days, he thinks, then he'll be going... somewhere else. I didn't press him on that. I'm trying not to ask questions that require him to remember anything like what he had for tea or where he thinks he's going.
Anyway apart from me not being very interesting (thanks Dad!) he seemed happy enough to speak with me and I had a little cry afterwards, not exactly sure why - it's so sad he's so bored but I was delighted he actually managed to call, as I never know how often to call him.
He actually seemed quite with it, and quite positive, and it was after dinner time - I don't know what that means: could be that the anti-depressants have kicked in or the new dementia drug is helping with the confusion, or it might mean he just had quite a good day and was being a bit of a pain moping around so the carer thought to find my number.
He has admitted he likes this carer now, they are pals, apparently. That's a relief beyond words, that, seeing as he's muttered darkly about every other one in there!
He said he didn't want anything but I will try to find something to send him, even if it's entertaining for just a few minutes.