Hi everyone
As you can see from my info, I've been a member for several years.
I used to be very involved in TP (a bit too involved, maybe??
) and knew lots of people on here. I haven't really posted for quite a while, although I do keep popping in to see how people are doing.
The longer it's been since I've posted, the more new members there are, and the less people I seem to "know".
Anyway...
For those who don't know, in 2009 I became one of my Grandad's main carers after he moved 200 miles to live near us (I guess I still am now, even though he's in a CH). I share the role with my Dad. Instead of boring you all here, I've just written a blog post about me and Grandad. If you want to know our history, it's all there.
I wanted to post because I know how much support and strength can be gathered from TP members.
Grandad has deteriorated a lot. He's losing weight, he's on antipsychotics for his aggression, he has a fall approx once a week and he hasn't a clue who any of us are, of his surroundings or of anything to do with his past
I love him so much. I miss him - my Grandad, the one I have so many amazing memories of. I hate what this disease has done to him. Physically he's so well, but mentally there's nothing
I visited him today. His hearing isn't good, but I'm usually really good at getting to hear me and understand what I'm saying. I hold his hand or arm, get close to his face and talk clearly. Today, every time I said anything to him, he just said "Sorry love, I can't understand what you're saying"
I love him so much. I miss him - my Grandad. the one I have so many amazing memories of. The one who decided, in the mid 1990's, he was going to drive his 1934 Model B Ford from Lands End to John O'Groats and went and bought himself a tent and came and joined us, camping, in Cornwall during the International Surf Championships at Fistral Beach in Newquay.
I'm just feeling sad tonight.
Sorry for my waffling
and well done for persevering if you've read this far