Connecting the Dots

"Did you know the Queen of England was married two days ago?"  Dad said to me this morning.  Wow! Really!?

I pieced it together.  He and I are season ticket holders to the Auburn Symphony.  We attended the end-of-season concert yesterday afternoon.  The finale, with the Federal Way Chorale as special guests, was "I was Glad When They Said Unto Me" - - - also called the "Coronation Anthem".  It is a magnificent piece!  Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry wrote it for the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.  Apparently it has been played at all subsequent coronations at Westminster Abbey, AND as conductor, Stewart Kershaw brought to our attention,  it was the wedding processional for Kate Middleton and Prince William on 4/29/11 - - - exactly one year ago that day.

Dad's brain connected some of the dots. Royalty.  England.  Wedding.   And, I compulsively corrected him.  However, are the facts really that important to our casual conversation?  Must I set him straight? It's not as if he'll remember for next time! 


I think there's more joy in-between for both of us if I let it go!

Sing!

Dad may not know what day it is, or always remember who I am, but he sure loves to sing.  Tonight after supper I played the piano and we sang some of his favorite hymns - - - When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, Sweet By and By, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Joy to the World. . .  Even though his voice quavers, he still finds the bass line AND remembers the words.  It grounds him . . . and me! 

Music is powerful, especially for individuals with AD and other dementias.  I discovered on the Alzheimer Foundation website that it is because "rhythmic and other well-rehearsed responses require little to no cognitive or mental processing.  They are influenced by the motor center of the brain that responds directly to auditory rhythmic cues."  http://www.alzfdn.org/EducationandCare/musictherapy.html

I'm looking forward to creating more pockets of joy with my dad through music!

Christmas in April

"Christmas is tomorrow...it's on the 25th of every month.  I want to wish you a Merry Christmas."  Yep, that was the phone message I got from my dad this morning.   Dad's 83.  He has Alzheimer's.  His view of the world made me smile today . . . a crooked smile, but a smile nonetheless.  A bit of joy on a Tuesday.  Thanks, Dad!