Tonight, out of the blue, Dad asked if he could go on the computer and look up his old Navy ships. Surprised but pleased in his interest, we broke out the laptop and started our Google search. Within minutes, we found just what he wanted to see.
Dad was so excited to see pictures of his old Navy ships and his name listed on the service rosters. He was keen to look up some old ship mates and we found some old Navy pic that might even have Dad pictured in them. The entire time, Dad was smiling and laughing, it was wonderful. I love hearing Dad talk about his past because I know it’s something that will eventually escape him and I’ll never know all the details. I’m more than happy to listen and to learn from his Navy stories. It’s a glimpse in to what my Dad’s life used to be and that is priceless to me.
Wonderful story! My Dad has LBD too and used to talk often about his days in the Marines – it was a stage in the disease that seemed to bring him back to those days. Do yourself a favor and write it all down, copy and paste pictures from the websites into your narrative and save it for posterity. Even if it’s only a page or two. I built a whole digital scrapbook of Dad’s childhood memories and pictures and then another of his military days and am working on another of his marraige and family days. Because it’s all gone now . . . his world has narrowed down to the present, but for awhile he would look at those books and remember things that would make him smile. Now, they just make me smile, knowing I’ll be able to keep part of him with me always.
Hi Diane,
Thanks for sharing your ideas! I’ve actually started to write down some of his Navy stories. I love the idea of putting together some kind of scrapbook of his past memories and pictures. He’d be able to use it now and it’s a piece of Dad I’ll always have. I’ll definitely look in to it- thanks! Hope you’re doing well.
Hey Holly…!
I am trying to catch up on posts I have missed…I am finally getting back to “normal” life…but think about all of you often…you are all doing a great job and I am so glad that there are strong people out there carrying on and doing what they know is right for their loved ones…I love the pictures.
Thanks, Laine! Hope all is well with you and you’re doing well.
Hi, Hols,
Just wanted to let you know we’ve been checking in regularly and tell you how grateful we are for your updates and insight. I know your dad would be so proud of all you’re doing to help others as you deal with his LBD!
Aunt P is here, too, and wanted me to tell you that she has all your dad’s postcards and letters that he sent while he was overseas. She just said to tell you that she’ll have them copied for you so you and he can read them together!
Love to all!
Hi Mary!
That’s awesome… Dad will thoroughly enjoy them, thanks! Glad you guys are following along. Hope all is well… much love.
-Holly xx
Hi Holly. I just found your blog on a link. My dad didn’t have LBD, but he had brain cancer, so I can relate to alot of what you’re going through. It’s really difficult to watch your dad slowly fade away. He had problems with balance and aphasia (inability to find the right words) which was incredibly frustrating. My Dad was Superman, so I never thought anything would happen to him. I am very glad we were able to take care of him and be there for him to try to make his last days as comfortable and happy as possible. I’m glad you and your family are working together to take care of him. It’s a big job, but one you’ll never regret. Just remember to take care of yourself as well. And make sure your mom does too. Moms are used to taking care of others first, but she really has to be sure and not neglect herself, for his sake and for all of you, as well as herself.
Take care,
Cheryl Pearce