Friday I surprised her and picked her up for a day at Gentog. She is always greeted like a long lost friend when she returns here, which she really enjoys. She spent the day visiting, seeing the children and relaxing. I had to ask her three times if she was ready to go home (such a difference from when she used to plead to go home). Once we arrived at her new home, she walked right in and joined her friends at the dinner table.
On Sunday Braylon and I stopped by Gram’s home, picked her up and took her to visit with my parents. We had a lovely afternoon, and when it was time to take her back for dinner, she easily agreed to drive home with us. We walked her in, she sat down and was immediately served one of her favorite dinners…grilled cheese. She bid us farewell, and happily began eating and visiting with the ladies at the table.
The transition seems to be successful. She has her home where she is comfortable. She easily comes and goes to enjoy visiting with her friends at Gentog or for family outings. She does not seem unhappy, and indeed seems peaceful most of the time. If she still has occasional angry outbursts or anxious times, we don’t see them.
Having her “independence” from living with her family is maybe the best thing we could have done for her. I pray that is true. And I am thankful for the peace she seems to be finding on this crazy journey with dementia.