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what a difference a break makes

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Written by suew 29. Feb 2008 04:46 PM

I have just had a very good week. Ray went to Daycare on Monday as usual so I did some extra housework, some shopping and visited my Mum. Mum was in a good mood, the singers from the Uniting church were at her Lodge and she enjoys that.

One of the aides was dancing with the residents and got a call so she called me to take over. The first man I danced with could actually waltz and danced with me with a beaming smile on his face. Then I danced with a couple of the ladies, just a two step and both of them shone with happiness. It feels so good to make someone happy even just for a few moments. Mum was reading the magazine so did not miss me.

Tuesday morning the bus came to pick Ray up for Camp Breakaway. He goes there twice a year and they really spoil their 24 "guests", he loves the little holiday. I asked him when he came home if he missed me. "I was too busy" he answered. They have lovely meals, entertainment, help with showering etc. Ray pushes a buzzer at the end of his nap and someone comes to take him to the dining room.

On Wednesday I had a "cousin" come with her husband for an overnight stay. She still lives in England, I met her once when I was four or five. My Mum was very fond of her mother so I thought she would be okay, which she was. My sister came down and took us for a lovely tour of the beaches, of which we have plenty here on the Central Coast and we had dinner out. All in all a lovley time.

The visitors went on Thursday about lunchtime and in the afternoon Trev took me to the movies to see "The Bucket List". Don't go to see it if you are feeling down as it is about dying, but I loved it. Even more I loved the fact that Trev had thought of the idea and paid for it too. Those mother and son times are precious.

Today Ray came home this morning, had morning tea on the verandah and a chat and then went off to Scallywags as usual. I still got to visit mum, do some shopping etc. This was a one-off break but oh so welcome.

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Comments from the community:

Hey Sue I am so pleased to hear that you have had such a well deserved break this week.I hope it has helped to recharge your batteries to continue on with the difficult but often rewarding work of caring.
I am just starting to get a little glimpse of the responsibility of full time caring and never realised what a break going to work used to give me.
I guess I am just finding it more difficult at the moment with dad in hospital. Hopefully things will settle a bit better when he gets home.
I am so pleased to hear that you were able to spend such quality time with both your mum and Trevor. it can be hard for other family members as more times than not they can feel second best within the home environment because the dementia patient is so needy of time and attention.
Take Care Sue and I am so pleased to hear that Ray had such a good time away as well.
Hugs

Written by leslie, 29. Feb 2008 11:49 PM

Hi Sue,glad to hear you enjoyed your week it's also good
you had time to spend with your son,you just have to make
the most of your free time it dosen't happen often enough.

I also have had a small break my sister believe it or not
accually took dad down the coast on Fri and he will be back tomorrow Tue.It's so good not having to listen in the middle of the night for foot steps.

Well good to hear your going OK keep up the good work,and dust off those dancing shoes never know when you might need them again.Take care talk soon.
Cheryl.

Written by Anonymous, 3. Mar 2008 02:45 PM