Renaissance Villa Car Parade

Since visitors aren't allowed in nursing homes due to social distancing guidelines, Renaissance Villa staff gathered family and friends earlier today for a car parade. They organized the parade down Dyer Street so family and friends could wave to their loved ones. I haven’t seen my mom in person since we left for Las Vegas in late February. She has her cell phone so she still calls us - usually daily. It was tough to pull up and realize she didn’t know who we were. She stared at us for a few seconds with a blank expression. In typical Faye Davidson fashion, she soon flashed her trademark smile and said she wasn’t expecting to see us today. My nephew was behind us in the parade and brought her Chihuahua, Spanky. Alesi and I knew she had regressed when we heard her say, “Oh, look at the doggie!” She didn’t recognize Spanky or the fact that Will Owen was driving her old car. I knew the day would come when she would struggle to recognize us, but I didn’t expect to feel like I just ran into a brick wall…Jesus take the wheel. “Someone once said when you love someone with Dementia you lose them twice.” Once when they are diagnosed and then when they die. This “Ambiguous Loss” is when they are physically present but not mentally and emotionally as before. They change physically and eventually forget who their loved ones are.” I share this because I want others who are experiencing or may experience the hard truths of Dementia to know they are not alone. Sometimes in life there are situations you cannot fix. Be assured everything is “figureoutable” but that doesn’t always translate to a cure. The reality is some days will be hard. This journey is not an easy one, however I find comfort in knowing she is receiving the best care possible. Just like she took care of us all those years, now is the time for us to take care of her the best we can. Thank you, Renaissance Villa for organizing the car parade so we could interact with her today. What a creative way to get everyone together on a gorgeous May morning. Grateful for the healthcare heroes who take such great care of my Mama and so many others. And most thankful for the amazing, long life she has lived and the lessons she continues to give.