My Dad is 62 and was diagnosed with Lewy Body about 18 months ago but now that we actually know what it is and the symptoms of it, we think he's probably about 4 years into the disease. He also suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis that has affected his auto immune system. Dad has always seemed more susceptible to getting sick - if something was going around you knew that he was going to get it. When I think of my Dad before any of this started happening I just think of him as happy. I have an awful memory for anything from my past but I do know that my Dad was (and still is) the type of guy who can strike up a conversation with anyone. He is so personable and friendly. That makes it hard now to see the behavioral changes; the moods, the anger, resentment... the lack of spark in his eyes replaced by tiredness. We know it's not really him but sometimes that doesn't make it any easier.
Truth be told my family doesn't know I'm blogging - I will tell them at some point but right now this is for me. I don't plan on relinquishing deep dark family secrets or hashing out family problems - I just need a place to keep friend's updated and vent out my own feelings throughout this ordeal. I guess I wouldn't say Dad is an overly private person. I honestly don't know if he'd be upset about me blogging and then my very next thought is if he does get upset, eventually he won't remember he's upset - and I'm not being sarcastic! It's just the sad truth of it. Throughout the past year I would have to say that my rock and buddy through this has been my sister-in-law. And I really should just type sister because if it ever came to me having to pick her or my brother I'd probably pick her! We are so lucky to have her as a part of our family. She is the most patient, kind, funny and caring person I know. We have had many laughs together because as she always says, "You can either laugh about it or poke yourself in the eye." Some think that sounds awfully insensitive but oh my gosh, if we didn't laugh our way through some of this stuff I think we'd have gone crazy by now and trust me, it's an awful situation all around but there really are some funny moments in the midst of all the madness.
