Last Sunday I began a ritual that I continued today, and will keep doing every Sunday now that I know it ‘works’. I will bring a bottle of really lovely wine in and Anthony and I will partake in sipping thimble-sized servings in massive glasses.
As I have to drive 15 kms home and Anthony can no longer drink a whole bottle of brandy in one sitting anymore (I’m kidding) neither of us can drink very much of course!
Nevertheless the reality of opening the wine and pouring it into glasses brought from home, toasting each other, exchanging memories of parties from long ago … all of this makes Sunday afternoons fantastic.
At one point, this afternoon ….
Me: Why are you looking at me like that?
Anthony: You look particularly beautiful today.
Me: What did you say?
Anthony: Your hair is brushed.
Me: ARGHHHH! What do you think of the wine?
Anthony: Not bad.
Me: Why can’t you ever say ‘it’s wonderful!’ instead of ‘not bad’!
Anthony: It’s wonderful.
Me: Okay, let’s clink glasses for a toast – to you and me, Ants. I love you and you love me and that’s the main thing.
Anthony: Can you just get the animals off the table first?
Me: It’s not a table; it’s your bed and you’re hallucinating!
Anthony: You always say that!
Me: It’s part of your Parkinson’s disease – please don’t worry about it. When you see all of those dogs and cats and calves in the room, try to remember that they are not really there and that you are hallucinating.
Anthony: So how about this baby?
Me: What baby?
Anthony: This one [pointing to his lap].
Me: Okay, Ants, is it Ming?
Anthony: No. Ming isn’t a baby any more.
Me: So who is the baby?
Anthony: I don’t know.
I am astounded that, ever since our niece gave birth to her first baby several weeks ago, Anthony keeps ‘seeing’ babies on his lap. It is so so so weird! But it’s also rather magical and wonderful that somehow Anthony’s PD brain has registered this new addition to the family.
Sunday afternoon at the nursing home; a delightful experience!
jmgoyder 
Oh, look! The system still works! Such a delight, to find your post in my mailbox this morning.
I laughed at your conversation, especially Ant’s tendency to say things like, “It’s not bad,” rather than, “It’s wonderful!”
Maybe he’s just channeling his inner midwestern American — people like those described by Garrison Keillor in his tales from the mythical Lake Woebegon. You know — the town that includes Ralph’s Pretty Good Grocery. Heaven forbid that Ralph (or any true midwesterner) ever should declare something “Wonderful!”
Okay haha – even though I don’t get the midwestern references. You are so funny!
Oh, midwesterners are famously self-effacing. Nothing’s ever really good. It “will do.” š
Amazing what he sees at times, I love reading your blogs, because I don’t work with Anthony very often and I find these very helpful when I do. Helps me understand who he is and I who the important loved ones are in his life Thanks Julie x
This means a lot to me, Deb, that you care so much. Thank YOU!
That is such a lovely Sunday ritual, I can’t blame Anthony’s brain for wanting to see babies, babies are indeed magical and such beacons of hope. Hugs Jules š
I hadn’t thought of it like that – thanks Laurie.
š
wonderful Sunday evening routine š
Yes it is! I might start doing it on Saturday as well ha!
Drinking wine and clinking glasses sounds like a lovely Sunday tradition Julie! ā¤
Diana xo
It is!
You can make the most of any situation.
The situation seems to be getting easier, not harder – strange and wonderful.
I guess you just have to “baby” him. Celebrating Sundays – with this situation, others might “whine” but what you’re doing sounds de”vine!”
You are incorrigible (in a nice way!)
You seem to have found a way of making the best of your situation admirably. I like the thought of some staid sipping on a Sunday.
Ah ‘staid sipping’ – perfect description!
The mind will forever remain a giant mystery. So glad you two are still enjoying yourselves. I hope Ants never forgets who you are. Hope you are keeping a journal.
The blog has become my journal I guess.
I am glad and you will appreciate it down the road, the long road ahead, so keep blogging
I want you to teach the world an awful lot about love Julie.
And on Anthony’s behalf, thank you for brushing your hair! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I adore this man I’ve never met!
I’m pretty sure he would adore you too!
Awwwwwwwww!!!! š ā¤ to you both!
It does sound like a lovely way to spend the afternoon
Too bad we can’t do it every day!
wow, so magical and fun, your times together. you are a model for all to follow –
Cheers to your new tradition. A suggestion … .when you get home, how about another small toast to your visit from that very same bottle. As a matter of fact, each time you return home from a visit. … and with my next glass, a toast to the two of you.
What precious memories you are making. Hugs my friend.
Wonderful to see you both making the best of it all.this could not only be a book but also a movie.
Sounds like a perfect way to spend an afternoon too.
Fascinating how Anthony now see babies (further to the new family addition). Perhaps that’s the way to erase some of the more nightmarish hallucinations. Always ensure he’s surrounded with the beautiful things in life. That way they infuse his visions and dreams.
I love you. I love how you love each other. That is all. xoxo
Lord, I just love you two! Gotta love a man who’ll sip wine with a farm and a baby on his lap:)
This sounds like a wonderful Sunday afternoon ritual!
how lovely for you both to have this time together! i so admire your ability to come up with ways to enjoy your life with that lovely man of yours.
sending you love and hugs my friend
I love your brilliant posts!