Tom and I were part of Bob and Sharon's great Adventure. We met Sharon and Bob at Cafe Mimosa in San Clemente on Saturday for lunch. Bob walked to our outside table with his cane and a little help from Sharon. He ate and cut his food by himself. Tom was on his right, so as Tom cracked jokes about pushy and unrelenting wives, Bob had to turn and respond - usually just with a look or laugh.
That left me to ask the tough questions, which of course I did. No use letting my experience with Tom's stroke in 1997 go to waste. Bob did very well.
He needs lots of time and patience to answer, but he does answer! Of course, I wouldn't let him change the subject as he tried to manipulate away from answering. He answered several questions:
What is the easiest? "The easiest is walking."
What is the hardest? "The hardest is speaking."
Sharon asked him what she was wearing on her eyes and he could not retrieve "eyeglasses" so she gave him the starter, " I need these to see, they are my _______" and he filled in the word glasses.
What is the easiest? "The easiest is walking."
What is the hardest? "The hardest is speaking."
Sharon asked him what she was wearing on her eyes and he could not retrieve "eyeglasses" so she gave him the starter, " I need these to see, they are my _______" and he filled in the word glasses.
Try not to give him options like ABC choices as he is very good at repeating what you say. Ask him open ended questions.
I also asked "what is the weather like today?" After giving me a withering look that said "we're sitting outside, can't you see for yourself?" He answered that it was cooler than home. This took a long time, but he can do it!!! He needs to reconnect his brain centers, so it will take relentless practice. We were together for 2 hours and Bob was included in questions, comments, and ordering his own food. Sharon is wonderful, but bossy!! But we all know that when she puts her mind to something it happens and thank heavens for that! Bob is lucky to have her dedication and love through this period of time. Tom doesn't admit it often, but he told Sharon that she is doing exactly what I did for him and that is what made him get well. He told her to keep it up - Bob of course made a face! Don't you just love him?
I also asked "what is the weather like today?" After giving me a withering look that said "we're sitting outside, can't you see for yourself?" He answered that it was cooler than home. This took a long time, but he can do it!!! He needs to reconnect his brain centers, so it will take relentless practice. We were together for 2 hours and Bob was included in questions, comments, and ordering his own food. Sharon is wonderful, but bossy!! But we all know that when she puts her mind to something it happens and thank heavens for that! Bob is lucky to have her dedication and love through this period of time. Tom doesn't admit it often, but he told Sharon that she is doing exactly what I did for him and that is what made him get well. He told her to keep it up - Bob of course made a face! Don't you just love him?
Bonnie Drolet & Tom Harvey
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