Friday, November 09, 2012

Afraid Of The Dark



My Dad has dementia.

Last night we learned that he has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act because he has become aggressive towards my Mum, a woman he has loved unreservedly for 68 years. They took him away in an ambulance at 7pm.

I wrote here about my Dad's love of music, but I don't think the Readers Digest box sets have been played for years, most have gone to charity shops, and the easy listening cassettes are gathering dust on their crappy Woolworths plastic carousel.

Throughout my childhood he would sing random snatches of popular songs from the 40s and 50s in a bad, mock Howard Keel baritone, with parodic lyrics ('Hey there, you with the straw in your ears').

All those old Rodgers & Hammerstein numbers were grist to his mill of mangling.

He'd have gone for the Carousel version of this, but as his last son and a 60s baby, I'm posting Gerry.

And trying to keep it together.

23 comments:

  1. Lovely sad brave post my friend.
    He will never walk alone.

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  2. you know we're gasping panicing and hoping right along with you brave boy
    x

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  3. Thinking of you and all your family. You will find the strength to get through this difficult time together. Take care and be kind to each other. X

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  4. Iam so sorry for you and the family Davy, especially your mum. Must be awful at the moment. Any support you need, you only need to ask, even though hundreds of miles away.

    Take care

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  5. Thanks Drew, and all. Yes, hardest for Mum - although also, in a way, a relief perhaps. He's being properly assessed now, so we'll have to see what happens.

    As any of you who have had relatives with dementia will know, it is like watching someone you love die very, very slowly in front of your eyes. That is the very sad bit.

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  6. Oh Davy - so sorry to hear. Take care my friend

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  7. So sorry mate. Awful news.

    I think this is the worst part about growing up, having to deal with what happens to your parents.

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  8. Fuck Davy that's shit- horrible, horrible stuff.

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  9. Take care as well - you've got mates here thinking of you

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  10. Yes. We raise a glass to you ALL. (But especially to your mum and dad).

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  11. Dad'll be very annoyed when he finds out there's no bar in that hospital : (

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  12. So sorry to hear this.
    My thoughts are with you and your mum and dad.

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  13. I don't know you but I can sympathize with you. I am also a 60s baby to an 85 y.o. Dad. He's not progressed in to dementia yet, but the mental deterioration is apparent and it's breaking my heart. So sorry for your mother and family.

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  14. that's why you sneak in the wine, MrH x

    my thoughts are with you and your family

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  15. Thank you, lovelies.

    I spoke to Mum this afternoon - she's been through the mill emotionally of course, but she had a great night's sleep last night for the first time in ages, and she says she's fine. If I were on Twitter I'd hashtag #WW2generation, and (it's not its fault it's been co-opted by Yummy Mummy pillow makers)#keepcalmandcarryon

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  16. She's an inspiration and no mistake. Makes us Baby Boomers and 60s Panda ride boys seem like lily-livered wussies.
    By the way, lots of great female singers on BBC4 tonight Davide - incl Sandy Denny - if you get the chance to sit down with a glass. x

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  17. I'm watching it right now Dickie, ta

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  18. Just back from the football, on a Friday night? You say. It's not right I tell you.

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  19. Hi mate, been away from most of the internet all weekend. Sorry to hear this. Don't really know what else to say mate, except thinking of you and yours. Best wishes matey.

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  20. Just catching up on my reading and I came across this post. Davy, my heart aches for your mum and your family. I wish you all strength to face this difficult time. x

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  21. Thanks Simon, Beth, Tricia for your kind messages. Taking it as it comes.

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