Laughing

Few weeks ago realized I have not laughed much recent years, so I looked at a flick our son gave us years ago that causes lots of laughs plus I enjoy it. Since then have thought how we laughed and grinned. We would play with words of commercials. We used words or songs so they caused us to grin or laugh; for example greeting, “Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly” with a leer. Even ordinary jobs we’d find a way to get a grin. Long gone. I need to find ways to laugh or get some fun out of happenings. Look for funny flicks and humor in various events.

My essential therpist

Thruout the long, painful care-giving one of my major helps has been my therapist; how she made this ordeal possible and positive. While I was aware of many of my feelings, going through a completely new experience brought feelings I’d never before faced and needed to recognize and acknowledge. I was angry at Alzheimer’s Disease, at having to take increasing responsibilities we had so long shared, make decisions for Margie that she could have no voice in, many resentments my therapist helped me find and acknowledge, as well as discuss decisions I had to make. We discussed grief, Dr. Kubler-Ross’s studies of grief, and my changing feelings through the years. I saw her as needed. She said my interacting with adults in Third Age Education was excellent therapy. Friends were often helpful, but my therapist was essential as issues came up.

Non-verbal clues

Today Margie was more alert than for months! When several yards away, she looked my way, so I gave “our”wave and she grinned. As I reached her, said “our” greeting and for first time in months wanted a kiss on the lips—just child peck. As we sat beside each other, she almost glowed, smiled, eyes dancing some. Kept looking at me. So glad my social work training made me sensitive to minimal non-verbal clues. Refreshing time with her!