How many times have I said it – it seemed like such a good idea at the time? This one really did . . . really! Our nieces were celebrating their birthdays (12 and 4) and they live at the beach so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for M and I to have a few days at the beach. Right?
No.
He was the most miserable person on the face of the earth. And in return, he made me one of the most miserable people on the face of the earth.
I guess I should have expected it. I do know that as dementia symptoms worsen, patients have a harder time adjusting to changes. Any changes, really.
I just didn’t realize we had reached that point.
Everything was fine, as long as we were occupied with the birthday celebration.
But once we were on our own at the hotel and ready to spend three more days hanging out at the beach, everything made him miserable. The mattress sucked, the sand sucked, the shower sucked. It was too hot, he was too sweaty, the ocean was too rough, the room was too small, the TV was too hard to work . . . you name it, he complained about it.
I can’t tell you the number of times I thought about packing it in and heading back home, because it wasn’t just one complaint and we’re done. It was over and over and over . . .
We got home this afternoon and he has been so happy, sitting here in the house with our dogs. He missed them terribly, too.
I guess from now on, either I’m planning vacations for myself (a girls weekend away) or else we’re just taking day trips. And if we can take the dogs along – even better!
When I thought about this disease and what it was going to take away from us, I thought I was prepared. Turns out, I’ve had no idea.
Oh darn it. I’m so sorry. Yes, planning girls trips is an excellent idea – some respite for you and limited routine disruption for M. Still heartbreaking to have one more thing taken away.