Stuff
A bit of sad news. My Papa (Grandpa) died on Monday. It is not really sad because he was 90 and he had dementia. Every time my dad went to visit him he asked how my mom was because he would forget that she had died. My dad would always tell her a different story about what she was up to but never that she had died. This was my suggestion because I think it is cruel to keep telling a person with dementia things like that. I once got in an argument with a religious person who thought it is always wrong to lie and thought we should keep reminding him every time he asked about my mom. Anyway, he had a good long life. He was a great man and great Papa. All the nurses where he lived adored him because he was so kind and sweet.
Well, it is one week until surgery. Yesterday I went to the pre-admission clinic. The nurse took almost an hour to tell me all about the surgery. This surgery is way more complicated than I thought. I was thinking it would be a bit of a breeze but apparently not. meh
Right now I am watching an obviously repeat program about the earth ending on 12/12/12. I bet the people who dedicated their lives to this belief feel pretty stupid now.
Oh, I forgot to mention this. My therapist doesn't think I am angry but just irritable Ha! I find this amusing. But it is also the truth. So many things piss me off. She says irritability is a sign of depression. I thought I knew a lot about depression but I didn't know that irritability was a sign. So I am kind of like the Incredible Hulk. Everything is fine and dandy until I get annoyed. She suggested I try meditating so I am doing 21-day meditation challenge. It has already started but you can start now on day one. Anyone want to join me?
Hello Birdie,
ReplyDeletejust a note to share my condolences.
And the mediation challenge sounds like a good opportunity for you to
learn more about your potentials to relax and let go of certain annoyances ? I try to mediate daily.
I makes a healthy difference in balance my day for sure.All the best
for your surgery too btw!
Tabitha
So sorry about your Grandfather. Wishing you much luck for your surgery.
ReplyDeleteSending my condolences.
ReplyDeleteWishing you luck on your surgery.
Kudos for this blog.
I am in on the 21 days. This is my day one. I haven't meditated consistently for a while. Thank you.
Sorry to hear about your Grandpa. I agree that it's best for friends and family to enter the world of the person with dementia, not try to drag him/her back into the world of reality. What's the point? Play along and ensure they have a happy day.
ReplyDeleteO, my condolences. I think you did right in choosing what truths to tell your grandfather. And the meditation could prove a great help -- for me, prayer has proven wonderful for unearthing root causes of turmoil and finding peace.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the loss of your grandfather dear.
ReplyDeleteI know lots and lots of shit about depression. I suffer from it too but I try to keep myself busy (mind and body). Trying to keep people entertained with my blog and gardening are two things that keep me sane.
Otherwise I'm usually plotting to take over the Earth. Did I tell you I'm certifiably crazy? Yes I am. I have papers.
Sorry to hear about your grandpa. I like your decision on how you handled what you told him. So much kinder.
ReplyDeleteDepression can come with rage, even - it did in my case, anyhow. I'm glad you are doing the meditation challenge and I am going to go visit that page right now!
ReplyDeleteAnd you were right in your approach with your grandpa. Sorry for your loss. It doesn't matter how old someone is, if they are loved, it's going to be sad to lose them.
So sorry about your granddad. I just joined the 21 day meditation challenge. Looking forward to it! Take care.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your Grandpa...
ReplyDeleteGlad you have good memories of him...
Meditation not really my bag...
Good luck with that...
Enjoy your evening...
We are freezing here again!!:o(
What the f*** is with this weather!!!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
so sorry to read about your Grandfather.
ReplyDeletei meditate... daily. it's what has helped me give all my pain meds... most days it works really well for me. there are a few days that i just can't hunker down and clear my mind..
i'm going to look into that challenge :)
Ugh, Birdie, I loathe Oprah with every fiber of my being but I'll give it a look-see for you. Meditation can't be a bad thing...unless you hate Oprah, and then you just mediate on THAT fact and you end up being more pissed off than relaxed. And as always, my fingers are crossed for you and your surgery. And as far as the Mayan End of the World predictions, that is nothing compared to the Zombie apocalypse that still approaches. ;-)
ReplyDeletePS: I am also very sorry for the loss of your Papa. Sometimes it is a relief, however, especially if they have lived a good, long life.
So that is why I am irritable? A grumpy old woman in fact. Let me know how you go with the meditation? My concentration span seems to be insufficient. Perhaps I need to try again.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about the loss of your Papa, but glad that he lived a good life.
Good luck with the surgery. Fingers and toes crossed for you.
I just love the way you write and the humanity you showed your grandpa by letting him believe what he felt... telling them is never easy even if they dont have dementia... anyway, I hope you feel better soon, and yes it it funny how you can feel so down, then up again !! hugs from across the pond.janzi
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about the loss of your Grandpa. May he rest in peace. I think the meditation sounds like a great suggestion.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your grandfather...
ReplyDeleteAs for irritability, you should see me driving.;) I am not a very calm driver, so I guess during that time I am depressed.;)
Hope your mediation helps, I never seem to master that.;)
Have a great weekend and thank you for your recent visit.;)
xoxo
I don't think I'd ever heard that irritability is a symptom of depression - but it makes a lot of sense. I've been a crabby britches for years. (What's with the past tense, AJ?)
ReplyDeleteSorry about your grandad. Not the best way to prepare for surgery - getting bad news.
Take care.
Sorry to hear about your grandpa.
ReplyDeleteI seem to spend a lot of time irritated at the moment. I just put it down to getting older and grouchier. Probably depression though even the rest of the crap I have to deal with.
Hugs Lorna x
I’ve just caught up on your posts.
ReplyDeleteYou are the funniest, weirdest, scariest blogger ever.
Have fun with the surgery. Intra-vaginal, eh? Sounds great.
Sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Dementia is awful.
ReplyDeleteHave you had your iron checked? Did you know that "irritability" is also a symptom of low iron? Common in women of a "certain age" and having "heavy periods" are also a symptom of, and exacerbate the issue of low iron? It's a wicked cycle!
Snow is also a cause of irritability.
Aww I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa :( It is great that he lived a long and good life though.
ReplyDeleteI am incredibly irritable too. I knew it was from depression. Depression is shit man!! :)
I am sending positive vibes your way, for everything!
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Pappa. He sounded like a lovely man to know. I agree totally with how you chose to look after his feelings. Why cause distress over and over?
ReplyDeleteI am joining you on the 21 day meditation challenge. I very much need to find some inner calm right now - as always. x
Birdie, I see lots has been happening! First, condolences on the loss of your granpa - no matter how old, the gap is still there ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteLovely photo of your Dad from the army (and his car!)
You say one week to surgery and this post is dated 13 March, so your surgery is up soon. Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery and an easy stay in hospital.
Sorry that your Grandpa died and that he had dementia. It's not all that wonderful to live to such a ripe old age when you don't know most things and forget all the rest. Sad. May he be now in peace.
ReplyDeleteI've had bouts of depression and can say that irritability is definitely one of the things I've experienced with it. Although, at other times when I'm not depressed, buttheads can cause me to be irritable. haha!
Either way, meditation can only help I think.