Still grateful

With the holidays approaching, or any upcoming event, I need to be careful about what I say to my dad. I still put up decorations, and will comment to him about them. He has even helped me with a few things. But saying things like Christmas will be here soon, or I have to do my shopping, or talking about an upcoming event...those are no-no's. I need to remember to keep to the present. Tom is really good about this, but I sometimes have trouble with it. When I do, my dad says things like, "Christmas? I have to get home". The look on his face is confusion, and I hate that. Sooooo, my topics need to be closely monitored, by me! I need to avoid the "open mouth, insert foot!"

I've noticed a few things about my dad lately. In the mornings, I say to him,"good morning! Did you sleep well?" His typical responses are things like "I slept like a dog", or "I slept like a coon (raccoon)". This morning, he said, "I slept like a boon". Other word finding things I have seen are - he has gotten lost when saying the prayer before meals, that he was unable to recite the Lord's Prayer when the Eucharistic ministers came the other day. (He also said, "no thank you, not today", when communion was offered.) He's had some problems with the car seat belt, and some clothing fasteners. :( But, on a positive note, he still dresses himself without any help (except for me putting the dirty clothes in the basket so he won't put them on again), eats independently, and he showers himself, with prep work by me. :) And, of course, he is still very cooperative with his haircut, shaving, and teeth care.

According to this site, http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp there are 7 stages of Alzheimer's. My dad has all of the symptoms up to and including stage 5, and some in stage 6.

I'm kinda lost for words after reviewing those stages.
But I continue to be grateful he is here with us, and am blessed that my family has been so supportive. Thanks again Tom, Dawn, and Smith!!!