it is an apple, dad

 

I went to see my dad this week and I took him an apple.

It was a fall apple, in fact a friend had picked them for me. So a special one.

I thought about seeing him eating apples my whole life, crunching loudly as he ate them, in a hurry, almost angry with the apple. That was a bit the way he enjoyed food- he loved it in a desperate way.

I presented the apple cut, as you do for people who are little or who are old or who are in the late stages of Dementia, to make it easier to eat.

He could not pick the piece up.

I put it in his hands.

He still did not know what to do.

I lifted his hand to his mouth

Still no connection

I took a piece and fed it to him.

He opened his mouth and closed his teeth around the piece but could not crunch down.

It was stuck there the way a bone would be stuck in the mouth of a dog.

He did not know how to bite through or release it.

His eyes were pleading, I think.

I felt sadness hit me like a punch to the gut that winds you.

I tried to get it from him, now like a stick from a puppy’s mouth- and it took several minutes.

He did not understand what it was.

It is an apple, dad.

You have always loved them.

 

 

 

Change is hard for me when it is moving away from something I love although it is a part of life so I find my way, as we all do, to acclimatize to it. This week there is an end to an era in my life- it is not terrible but I am very reluctant to let go of it

7 thoughts on “it is an apple, dad

  1. Nancy.. I cannot imagine how difficult this must have been, is for you. You have what sound like beautiful memories of / with your dad. Hold on tight to those and let ones like this help to move you towards acceptance. Thank you for writing so honestly. Sending u an energetic e-hug.
    FJ

  2. Hi Nancy,
    This must have been so hard.
    Your Dad is in the much later stages of LBD than mine. How long ago was he diagnosed?
    My son made a video recently about what he thought his Grampa saw things like now. Little snippets of life with no story, no stringing together of thoughts and images. If you are interested go to:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W58CdGVyZgE&feature=plcp
    Allison

  3. I watched it and loved it. Thank you for sharing
    He was diagnosed several years ago- my mom believes he has had it for 13 years. xx

  4. Nancy: I was moved to tears by this – remember your Dad since we have known each other for almost 60 years – and cna see how difficult it was for you with that memory gone. You write so well – always enjoy reading your latest – sad tho they may be. Much love

    Jane

    • yes! You have known him forever. Thank you for reading and commenting and the years of friendship to all of us! xx

  5. Nancy,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time… so sad, but so beautiful in a way that you can write about it and touch so many from the depth of your emotions. I miss you my friend, but please know that I think of you often. xox

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