BARRY’S JOURNEY No. 5
First day at the ‘club’
So Barry had his first day at the adult day care facility. My friend Talla suggested coming up with another name for the place. Perhaps we should call it — going to the “club.” I think I will use that from now on.
Birds on head
The “club” is wonderful. The staff welcomed Barry and introduced him to everyone. The nurse pointed to me and asked, “Who is this?” Barry said, “My wife; we live at the same place.” With that they took him along for his first day. I left feeling like I did when I first dropped my kids at nursery school.
I thought about him all day and worried that I might get a call to come get him because he was causing trouble. But there were no calls. When I picked him up, he seemed kind of happy. A staff member reported that after lunch Barry said, “Well, I guess I will leave now.” She explained that he had to stay until I came — and he was fine with that.
During the day, Barry did a little painting. It made me really happy to see that he was kind of interested in art again. It was just colors on paper, but I might use it for my doodle backgrounds — if he’ll let me! A collaboration!
On the way home, I asked him if he had made any new friends. (Just like I used to ask my kids on the way home from nursery school.) Barry said, “Yes, a guy with a walker named Harold.”
So day one was a success.
That evening he fell asleep very early. I guess a day at the “club“ can be pretty tiring!
Nancy, I’ve been praying that God would send you respite care. Prayer answered?
Nancy, I am so happy that you are finding someone to help with caregiving ! It’s going to be all about teamwork for Barry! I’ll keep on praying!
So glad to hear this! Good for both of you.
In FB fashiion I just wanted to like your blog. My dad died after 10 years of alzheimers. I can’t inagine how I would have handled a spouse. May God bless you in other ways.
Thanks Colleen it’s a tough time but man have I learned a lot!
Nancy
It sounded like a very enjoyable day for Barry. The staff at “the club” sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing, Nancy.
My friend’s husband, who attends adult day care, calls it his ‘singles club’. My friend has no idea where THAT came from ~ but she’s amused nevertheless. He loves going to his singles club!
Nancy, Thanks for sharing. Praying that you and Barry and the kids get through this as best you can. Mary Kay and I are thinking of you guys. Big Gar