Friday, December 30, 2011

Happy Birthday Grandpa Bell!

So, yesterday was my Grandpa Bell's 88th Birthday! I'm so glad that he has been in my life for so many years. We came up to Burley, ID yesterday with my mom and my little brother. I forget how much fun I can have in the same car as the rest of my family. We haven't been on a road trip like that in a long time! Mostly mom and I got to visit a lot, which was really nice.
I need to preface with something before I continue. We found out a couple of months back that Grandpa has been showing signs of Alzheimers. When we saw him at Thanksgiving,it was much worse than I had thought. He kept asking who owned my parents house, even though he has been there SO MANY TIMES, as my parents have never moved. About a week ago my sweet Grandpa had a seizure, and was hospitalized. He was really disoriented for the first few days.
We arrived yesterday, and it was not what I was expecting. Grandpa was doing really well last night. He knew where he was, he knew who we were, it was great! It felt like the "Old Grandpa" was coming back. This morning I woke up at abou 6, just due to the fact that I was aslep so early last night. A few minutes after I woke up, I heard a commotion upstairs. Grandpa thought he was at the neighbors house, and he was trying to walk home in his underwear. Luckily he was caught before he actually made it outside. This morning has been a huge struggle for him, and for me as well. I love him so much, that I just want him to be better. When my Grandpa Ellison died, and I saw his failing health, that was easir for me than seeing this.
I was such an emotional wreck. I'm glad no one could see me break down. I need to be strong for my mom. I know this is harder on her than she will ever say out loud. Same for Grandma for that matter. I am here to help, not hinder. I needed to get my feelings out. I'm really sorry if this hurts anyone, I really don't want it too. I just needed to get it out. I will be good now! :)
Happy Birthday Grandpa. I love you more than I know how to express!

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