Dementia is horrendous; a personality sapping, reality skewing, dream stealing disease.
For the last eighteen months or so, it has been meandering its insidious way through Homestead life; running its grimy hands over our thoughts, hopes, and plans and leaving its slimy fingerprints on our every-days.
We’ve learnt so much about ourselves and become closer as a family as we’ve negotiated Nana and Grandad’s move from the family home into a Rest Home. Through the process, we’ve shared belly laughs over things that don’t bear retelling – and lots of tears, too – and alliances have been rekindled (shout out to the Dees) that have added a true sparkle to Homestead life.
This foul disease is not gracious and Nana and Grandad are very human in their desire to hit out. Unfortunately, their target has become us; The Homestead. The Bean Counter, their son, is now the only one of us they want to see. We respect that. But, humans that we are, we also feel hurt our care doesn’t count, and angry that our efforts aren’t recognised.
Shamefully, we also feel relief.
The Bean Counter combined the timeless words of William Shakespeare with a super-treat from his younger days, Neenish Tarts, to help assert some objectivity.
He spoke comfortable words.
Union Homestead 
You are right about dementia with a good choice of adjectives to describe the disease. Splendid quote, perfectly chosen.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. The quote was just what we needed to hear and the neenish tarts weren’t bad either
Sorry to read the pain in your words but understand the relief you feel too. You have loved, given and supported Nana and Grandad especially now but in the past too. Please take heart in this. Love to you all.
ps I remember the tarts too they look delicious xxx
Thanks for that. Sometimes you get so bogged down in the “now” you forget what went before. It’s nice to be reminded xxx
A terrible pain for your family. If a bit of sympathy from someone you don’t know is any help, please have all that we have to give you.
It does help. Thank you 😀
Dementia is foul! I am so sorry for your pain and understand your anger and relief. Excellent quote and yummy tarts! I had to look up ‘Neenish’ as I’d not heard of these before. Very nice 🙂
Apparently they’re an Australian invention. Certainly, they’re very high on The Bean Counter’s treat list 🙂
Hi, Grief hurts – grief for what you are losing – those you love.
and grief and anger often hold hands. It takes a while to separate them and acknowledge that
Somehow I had missed this post when originally put up. I’m so sorry to read this. Before my dad’s death he said some awful things to my half-brothers (his sons but not my mum’s) during periods of infection-induced insanity. It was all horrible and I spent a lot of time building bridges in the immediate aftermath. Fortunately his madness was temporary and dad was able to see my brothers and some peace was restored before he died (dad never remembered what he had said). Illness can have devastating effects emotionally as well as physically and I hope that you are able to draw strength from each other, remember the good things and not dwell on the negatives.
Thanks for your lovely, empathetic comment. It’s amazing how just knowing others have been there, done that helps.
I’m currently in a quiet period following a number of years of sick elderly parents and all the associated problems. Those years were a real trial, but I am fortunate now that my mother is back to health and we are making the most of this, trying to do enjoyable things while she is still able.