It's Nice to Be Remembered

On the way back from the hospital today, I stopped at an unfamiliar gas station. As I dashed inside to pay, the clerk looked at me for a moment, and asked, "By any chance did you adopt a rescue dog a few weeks ago?" My face broke into a ridiculously delighted grin, and I nodded.

The clerk, who also volunteers at the local animal shelter, recalled that particular adoption day quite differently than I did. My attention then was squarely focused on a busy ball of fur with floppy ears and wagging tail. I remembered the volunteer's voice, but I did not clearly remember her.

It's funny how two people can be in the same space at the same time, and yet have such very different impressions and memories of the same event.

As I drove home, I began to think about my daily visits with some amazing people who just happen to have dementia. Wonderfully accomplished, interesting, generous men and women whose memory has betrayed them.

Nearly everyday, I reintroduce myself to these remarkable people: they are parents, 4-star generals, teachers, nurses, engineers, doctor's wives, volunteers, etc. I give out lots of hugs and smiles, and we talk about whatever's on their mind at the moment. Life here is no different than anywhere else, although we may have to be a bit more creative to meet them where they are.

If they allow us to do so, we can cautiously and respectfully "come into their world". I think about my own family members who lived with dementia over the years, and the frustration and agitation it can sometimes bring. If I can bring just a little distraction and connection to them for even a brief moment, it's so beautifully, ridiculously worth it.

Be well.

And Just Like That, the House Fills Up

She's finally here... a dog for this house. A running, romping dog to explore the backyard. Man's best friend. A daily teacher of life lessons.

Together, this little 25-pound ball of fur and I are learning from each other how to be:

loyal,
playful,
consistent,
patient,
humble,
responsive.

I swore I would never become one of "those people": you know the type. The dog-parents who have pictures of their pets on their desk, who bore you silly with all the tricks their dogs can do, who dress their pets in parkas and boots, who speak in baby-talk to animals, etcetera adnauseum.

But today, I could not resist showing pictures of Mattie to my colleagues. We took a long walk this evening, she and I. It's cheaper than the gym and better than therapy.

This little dog has been here at home for just four days, but already she's fitting right in. We may just get the hang of this soon enough. With a little play and patience, we'll be just fine.

Be well.