Visiting Papa

On Sunday morning my dad ended up in the hospital due to dementia related issues. Nothing like an ambulance ride to start out the week. I've gone down to UC Davis hospital every day, but today was the first time I took Noah. It seemed that all of us could use a little cheering up when it comes to being in that hospital room, and sweet Noah is always up for a good time.
He really was so sweet, especially when it came to hanging out with Papa. It was like he knew to be gentle and that Papa isn't really up for playing much right now.
After checking out the room, Noah was mostly interested in Papa's bracelets and how they could spin around his wrist.
Nana has been a truly devoted wife through all of this. Her dedication to marriage and her eternal companion is really amazing. She loved taking a break from all of the seriousness and just getting some time to spend with her favorite guy.
Parkinson's is a horrible disease. Not long ago we were dealing with the disease's physical manifestations. Then, a year and a half ago, brain surgery mercifully took care of most of it. In the past year, however, we have seen how Parksinson's is taking hold of Papa's mental function as well, and its become just ugly.

I feel like we end up mourning the loss of my dad incrementally, as the disease progresses, instead of all at once like a death.

I had always hoped that my kids would have a memory of who my dad really is: strong, smart and playful. Those traits are slipping away much faster than any of us thought they would.

So we just take this one day at a time, hold on to each other tightly, and constantly remind ourselves that who we see now is not who he once was or will be one day.