The only thing that never changes is that things are constantly changing. That's deep even for me. I've been helping my dad back in SC because his Alzheimer's seems to be progressing fairly rapidly. He is getting confused about everyday things and has said some pretty funny things. I won't post his comments because I don't believe in exploiting those with advanced dementia for a quick laugh even though the things he says are so far from reality it's comical.
The thing that gives me pause, makes me think, even alarms me is that in almost every way I am my dad's clone. My last trip to SC shocked even those that new me as a kid because I look just like my dad 30 years ago. I've seen myself walking up to a plate glass door and I walk just like him. Sometimes when I laugh I can hear his mother laughing because I sound just like her. Genetics is weird and it's not always kind. As I see him go downhill mentally and catch myself forgetting simple things like somebody's last name (not mine), it scares me a little.
So this is my latest epiphany. If I only have about 30 years left I'm gonna make it a really good 30 years. I'm gonna use up my last bit of sanity trying to be kinder to my family, working hard for our future (retirement), and spending my time doing things that make me and Merrianne happy. That may sound mushy but those are the things that will keep me sane.
So if you have a choice whether to watch TV (brainless) or do a crossword puzzle(metally stimulating), do the crossword puzzle.
