What is something new I’ve learned about myself recently?

I had some very, very dear neighbors to me… Dave and Madeline. When I met them they were in their 80’s and Madeline had Alzheimer’s. Dave became her full time care giver. And Madeline got very stubborn, particularly about eating. I would watch them. Sometimes they would have arguments of sorts – as Madeline was losing her ability to communicate unless she was angry, and then all of a sudden her power of speech came back. It was hard for them both. But I learned from it that it must be very hard to be old and start to lose your power for even basic things. In a way, we start as children and end as children. Madeline once was a teacher, a leader, a mother, a traveler, an activist, and many other things, and now… she didn’t get to decide when and what to eat or whether to get dressed. I know this little story doesn’t change the realities of dealing with your father’s issues and stubbornness, but I hope it makes it a little more bearable. His stubbornness may not be reasonable, but it is what he has.

I will be thinking of you, Patricia, and hoping your week goes more easily.