I love that show! What if the whole world was filled with little people and those of us who are large were considered different? Jerry and I were watching The Little Couple tonight; the show on TLC Discovery, where the wife is a doctor. That couple is so cool! They are tiny,tiny, tiny. But their character is big, big, big. What I like best about them is that they are not victims! I love that! I mean, who says that being outside the “norm” is bad? What’s up with that?

Just because Jerry can’t speak or carry on a conversation doesn’t mean he is “lesser than”. He’s actually quite cool, so to speak. And, man! Does he have the most beautiful eyes! Most dementia people don’t care about social norms. He doesn’t give a “....” about dressing perfect (just as long as he is not cold) or keeping up with the Jones’s. Who are the Jones’s anyway? I’ve always considered it pretty cool when someone stays true to one’s self.

We all need to be considerate to those with a ‘handicap”. I mean, “there, but for the grace of God, go I. “ They don’t want to be pitied, they want to be respected.

[caption id="attachment_229" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Let's go hear some jazz"][/caption]

For dementia people, we need to speak slower and with fewer words. Try not to ask a direct question because you’ll get the “deer in headlight” response. It’s better to just say, “Let’s go...”, “Come with me.” , “It’s beautiful...”.or “What a game”...don’t expect an answer and you might be delightfully surprised. I also realize that Jerry has a difficult time making a decision; like he would not be able to answer, “where do you want to eat?” or “what are you hungry for?’ It’s better to say, “Let’s go hear some jazz." I hope this helps a little in the communication game. Remember, it’s better just relax and “be” with them or walk along side of them. Lighten up and have fun with them. Just be sensitive.

I think that’s probably enough for now.

The Cake Boss is calling! Don’t be cheap with the “sau-ace”! (say that with a Jersey accent). I’m beginning to like those No-wau-thaners.