Which Way Now?

‘Which way now’? - A phrase I adopted for Alzheimer’s walks a few years ago - The ‘Whichwayers’ team. I used the phrase because I heard the question from Patty while walking in nature, or on unfamiliar paths. I hear the question less frequently, if ever, now - our walks together are short, slow and a on common paths. I am grateful we have them.

However, I am now able to have some personal time since Ashley, our new caregiver, is here for 6 hours, on Wednesdays and Fridays. Ashley is the first caregiver that Patty accepts. I hope to increase her time to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I am realizing that the personal contemplative time is important to my sanity.

Yesterday I ventured a walk in the woods out our front door - I loved it - indescribably wonderful - images apart from Sunrise - a new experience for me that delights. I walked and walked and walked on a wonderful marked trail in the Green Mountain foothills, with clear site of Camel’s Hump, a well known Vermont mountain marker.

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Green Mountain Foothills - home

The trail ended. I must be close to an outlet near home. I wasn't going to back-track on the trail - it was too far. Which way now? I took out my iPhone (thank God for technology) and checked the compass and map. I pointed the blue dot to the red home marker and started trail blazing. I encountered downed trees, deep ravines and Johnny Brook, which borders our land. It would be hard to follow the brook, because it meanders too much. I found a place to cross the brook and go like a crow. My last hurdle before reaching my neighbors property was a large (for me) ravine.

I made it home just in time for Patty’s Bone Density Infusion and meeting with Rheumatologist. I was right, Patty’s PMR is showing up again - the doctor prescribes steroids - Patty won’t take, unless it hurts enough. When the hurt is gone, she needs to slowly reduce the steroids. Of course, she won’t want to continue to take anything. Well, ……

Which way now?

Patty is down to 108 lbs (Don’t tell her I told you). The Rheumatologist says I should talk with the Primary about putting on weight. She does have a meeting in November. I have been offering a lot of ice cream, chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate. I eat a lot of her meals and am gaining the weight she is loosing. I figure what’s important is Patty eats when she is hungry and she has enjoyment, to the extent possible. I would not be surprised if she breaks 100 pounds soon. No feeding tubes. Nature will take it’s course.

Which way now?