Lately: Sherry is my Friend

Illustration by David Shrigley

There’s bad news in life that can bum you out, thoroughly disappoint or knock you for six. Last week the latter happened. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

I’m feeling a mixture of all three of those emotions. I’m bummed out that my dad had to hear those words in relation to him. My dad. I’m disappointed in life and its shittiness to brilliant people like, my dad. Then there’s the shock that makes you burst into tears, swear like a sailor and feel numb all at the same time.

We thought his memory loss and confusion was due to stress after his not-so-fun experience with prostate cancer a year or so ago. We were wrong. So we’re now filling in the gaps with doctors and nurses, waiting for more details on his diagnosis…and drinking all the sherry.

Life, ey?! My dad is semi-retired (he’s had to stop working now) and my mum, who’s going through her own health problems, retired a couple of years ago. I guess, what I’m trying to say is don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Don’t focus on living your ideal life after retirement. These are the days. Right now.

I don’t usually share this kind of stuff on my blog, it is a happy place after all. But, life for us all is going to change and as I adapt I think this blog will be a good place for me to occasionally vent about this shitty disease.

I promise to keep sharing all the good stuff too as now more than ever I’m grateful for all other aspects of my life; my family, my brilliant OH, our Polly, my work, friends and home. And Game of Thrones is returning any day. So there’s that *insertallhappyemojishere*

If you have any experience of dementia I’d really appreciate your comments or links to articles that might help. Thank you!