Natural Life

As Dair's dementia progresses, we have come to the realization that she can no longer return home to North Carolina to live on her own. We periodically mention to her that she will be staying with us from now on, and each time she insists that she can take care of herself and that she will know when she is unable to do so. (This comment made by a woman who calls her granddaughter "the girl" and refers to our dogs as "the black one" and "the other one" because she can't remember any of their names!)

One recent conversation on this topic between Dair and Karl went something like this: "Mom, your brain just isn't working like it used to and you are not able to care for yourself anymore. We can't let you live alone," said Karl. "You mean I have to live here [with your family] the rest of my natural life," asked Dair. "Yes," replied Karl. "Well I might as well kill myself then," retorted Dair.