Round up his whole family to go visit his mom, who has been diagnosed with dementia and is living in the Alzheimer's unit of a nursing home. Request that we throw a party for him with everyone there (patients included) and bring a birthday cake, balloons, funny hats and, of course, the greatest entertainment of all...Kellan and his fire truck.
We have always called Dad the "cat whisperer," and since we've had Kellan, I'd say he's a pretty good "baby whisperer." But now I'm going to call him the "Alzheimer's whisperer" too, because these sweet folks absolutely loved this birthday party.
Rachel sat next to Grandma Betty and had a small hat factory going:
She used colorful construction paper and pipe cleaners to fashion some fun hats for anyone who wanted them.
Matt took on the task of making balloon animals, which he took very seriously. His balloon animals could go up against a professional clown's any day.
Balloons, balloon animals, funny hats and babies seem to speak a universal language. Kellan ran around and said "hi" to everyone while pushing his fire truck. He brought a smile to every person there.
After multiple laps around the room saying, "Hello," to his adoring fans, K took a much needed break on a comfy windowsill.
One of his best buddies, Nana, was always around for a snuggle, too, when he needed a break.
Papa sponsored play breaks, as well...
Kellan got to know his great-grandma Betty a little bit better
And we all got to spend some time together as family.
All in all, I'd say it was a pretty awesome birthday for Dad...and for all the rest of us as well.
Alzheimer's and dementia have affected two of my family members and it is a confusing and painful disease to watch a loved one suffer from. If you would like to learn more about Alzheimer's or learn how you can help find a cure for or volunteer to support those with this disease, please visit: http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_join_the_cause.asp
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