My Poppy's 91st birthday....
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
Perth, Australia
March 9, 2023 7:59am CST
It was my Poppy's 91st birthday on the 6th of March. I wanted to do a post about it on the day but I didn't have time.
I was very happy as I was able to go see my Poppy. I haven't seen him in awhile again. As I've mentioned, for personal reasons, I cannot go see him as much as I would like to.
My Dad and Nanny went inside first as I waited in the car. Once they got a feel of how he was, my Dad waved to me to let me know all was good and that I could walk up to Poppy's window. They know I don't want to see him in a bad mood as he can be aggressive. Which I know, it's the dementia. I still don't want to see it though. I walked up to the window and my Poppy got a huge smile on his face when he saw me. He put his hand on the window and I put mine against it too. It's how we "hug" at the moment.
Poppy was telling me so many stories from when he was a child. He has an excellent memory when it's about the past. Sadly, not so much in the now. But I stood there listening to him. Some I heard before many years ago but I loved hearing what I already knew and stories I never heard before. He didn't know but I actually sat my phone on the bricks near the window and hit the record button. I recorded him talking so I can remember what he said forever.
At one point, I was watching Poppy's face. I was heartbroken. I could see he was getting upset. "I want to come home." His voice. So sad. So lonely. Poor Poppy doesn't understand. My Nanny feels guilty but it is for the best that he is where he is. I saw the tears rolling down his cheeks. I called for my Nanny. To be honest, I didn't know what to say. Plus, I couldn't talk with a big lump in my throat. I looked down starting to cry too. I miss him.
He eventually settled and started telling me the same stories again. But I smiled and listened as if I heard them for the first time. He was excited telling me. And I was excited hearing it all again. He also enjoyed opening his presents. I don't celebrate Easter anymore and technically it isn't Easter yet but I saw a big chocolate Easter bunny and bought it for him. I got him more chocolates and a cute card.
Was very happy to spend some time with him.
****photo is mine****
12 people like this
11 responses
@Shivram59 (35457)
• India
11 Mar 23
@VivaLaDani13 I'm glad your dear Poppy has completed 91 years.Heartily wish him a longer;happier and healthier life.My heartfelt prayers are with him;you and your whole family.If possible;kindly convey him regards and wish for a very very happy birthday.
Pray and believe in the Almighty.
Pray and believe in the Almighty.1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
19 Mar 23
@Shivram59 Thank you so much. That means a lot to me! Though, sadly, he will not recover from this horrible disease. 
It only gets worse and worse. The best I can hope is that he can just remain as healthy as he can throughout.
Thank you for always being so sweet. 
It only gets worse and worse. The best I can hope is that he can just remain as healthy as he can throughout.
Thank you for always being so sweet. 1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
13 Mar 23
@Shivram59 You are so very sweet. Thank you so so much! I really loved and appreciate your comment, thank you!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
9 Mar 23
@VivaLaDani13 You are very welcome. Enjoy these precious moments.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55601)
• Los Angeles, California
10 Mar 23
A happy belated birthday to your Poppy . . . 91, wow!! So wonderful you got to visit and spend time with him - I'm sure it meant the world to him 
. It's beautiful he tells you his stories and that his granddaughter lovingly listens . . . all very special .
. It's beautiful he tells you his stories and that his granddaughter lovingly listens . . . all very special .1 person likes this
@much2say (55601)
• Los Angeles, California
19 Mar 23
@VivaLaDani13 Those detailed memories are precious . . . there is a lifetime of stories within him and I'm glad he is able to share them to you. I hope you get to visit him again very soon .
.1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
11 Mar 23
@much2say Thank you very much! It's just amazing how much detail he can share. It makes me see the side of him before he got dementia. So it's good to see that he is still there if that makes sense.
It's just amazing how much detail he can share. It makes me see the side of him before he got dementia. So it's good to see that he is still there if that makes sense.1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (89882)
• Arvada, Colorado
9 Mar 23
I can feel and understand your sad pain Dani..what a lovely Grandfather he is. I too wish he could go home but as you say he is better off where he is.
Happy 91st to him bless
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
9 Mar 23
@just4him Thank you so very kindly. Yes I was very very happy to spend time with him. Very important to me.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317041)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
10 Mar 23
@VivaLaDani13 I know it's important to you. I'm so happy for you.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (339930)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Mar 23
@VivaLaDani13 That's a real bonus that he remembers.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
10 Mar 23
@JudyEv I can tell he enjoys telling them. It's nice to watch him smiling and laughing. My Dad and Nan saw him today and my Pop remembers me coming to the window. I am happy he remembers when I come see him.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
9 Mar 23
@LadyDuck Thank you so so very much Anna.
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
11 Mar 23
@MrDenata Thank you very kindly. And that's right. I would rather see him through a window than not see him at all. I appreciate every moment with him.
And that's right. I would rather see him through a window than not see him at all. I appreciate every moment with him.
@2ndchances24 (8927)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
11 May
That's so sad to know when people get up in age
the way they age, I can't blame you for not going in to see him
When husbands dad went down like he did it was hard for me
too, but I knew I was the only 1 that had the time to go spend
time with him, & rather he appreciated it or not I don't know.
I do know that when he passed away I was there & all the
rest of the family was too, but the action they done on the
day he passed away was VERY uncalled for to say the lest.
1 got into a argument with the Dr cause they had to go out
of the room & she pitched a fit like she OWNED the place
& made a BIG deal out of it, I wanted to say something but
I knew it wasn't my place so I just left & went outside.1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60794)
• Perth, Australia
11 May
@2ndchances24 Thank you. Though was hard to see him because of how much he wasn't his usual self anymore and never will be, that still wasn't the reason I wasn't going then.
Glad you still want to go see him.
1 person likes this
