Am I glad…
Yes. I am glad that my Elly is away to her good warm work and not sitting at home listening to You and Yours, a BBC Radio 4 consumer programme at midday.
At the close of the episode today, presenter Julian Worricker forewarned me about an item on the menu for tomorrow. If yer wan hears it, there will be no hope for me at all. 
“Should people with Alzheimer’s be tagged?”
Whatever you do, DO NOT TELL MY DAUGHTER. I was there holding tiny Buffy when the lady stuck the big needle into her back to insert the tag. I don’t want my darling baby having any excuse for tagging me! I mean she keeps enough eye on me as it is.
Anyone can forget:-
- What they walked into a room for
- Where they put their keys
- The list when going shopping
- What day of the week it is
- Where they parked the car.
You agree with me, don’t you? We will say nuttin to whatshername! 
gigi-hawaii said,
February 12, 2013 at 4:09 pm
You write this blog with lots of intellectual power, so you have nothing to fear. Memory loss? Phooey!
Mike said,
February 12, 2013 at 5:37 pm
If forgetful people should be tagged, at least one of our daughters would be a candidate.
Grannymar said,
February 12, 2013 at 6:34 pm
gigi - Thank you. You flatter me.
Mike - I think there is one in every family.
The Old Fossil said,
February 12, 2013 at 7:31 pm
By the time I get down to the comment area, I’ve forgotten the topic. Oh, yeah, tag. I loved that game as a child!
Grannymar said,
February 12, 2013 at 9:16 pm
I wonder who The Old Fossil is? Maybe Mayo can tell me.
mayo said,
February 12, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Old Fossil, Old Fossil? Old Fossil—– Old Fossil? I can’t recall. Could that be Rummy in disguise?
The Old Fossil said,
February 12, 2013 at 9:35 pm
No, not Rummy. I’m drinking coffee. But I did put Mayo on a sandwich for lunch!
Delirious said,
February 13, 2013 at 1:16 am
But this program wasn’t about forgetfulness, was it? It was about Alzheimers, which is a totally different condition. My friend took care of her Alzheimers afflicted mother for many years. My friend worked during the day, and was able for a time to leave her mother home alone. But then her mother began to turn on the stove, and forget to turn it off. Or she would hide things that were important. Over time her disease progressed to the point that she needed round the clock care. These people sometimes do wander off, and can’t remember how to get home. I think in their case, tagging may be an important option.
wisewebwoman said,
February 13, 2013 at 3:42 am
Daughter has maintained for quite a while we are all going to be tagged soon and I agree with her after a bad experience in New York.
Discrimination against the diseased elderly is nudder ball of wax entirely.
Alzheimers is nothing to joke about, I’ve seen its destruction up close and personal.
XO
WWW
Brighid said,
February 13, 2013 at 4:37 am
Ouch, I see the PC have struck… I’m for laughter, since none of us are getting out of this alive…
Grannymar said,
February 13, 2013 at 7:59 am
Delores, WWW & Brighid - The joke was on me and as you know I am never behind the door at laughing at myself.
Alas, I am well aware of the problems of the ageing mind, alzheimer’s & dementia. I have helped in the care of family members, friends and neighbours struggling with the everyday living in confusion and loss of time and place. Keeping someone safe, from themselves and from other outside dangers is a serious business, and that is how I deal with it, but there are times when the load can be lightened by laughter.
Grannymar » Losing it said,
February 13, 2013 at 10:45 am
[...] I had no Post written for the day, I decided to use these events as inspiration for a short light hearted piece. The joke was on me and as you know, I am never behind the door at laughing at [...]
Elly said,
February 13, 2013 at 12:34 pm
I forgot where I parked the car yesterday - because I came to work early, and they wouldn’t let me park in my usual row!
Grannymar said,
February 13, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Elly - Watch it! It runs in the family like wooden legs!
Ursula said,
February 13, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Brighid, I know the spirit in which Grannymar’s post was written, and she is most certainly not one who would (knowingly) wish to give offence.
However, I do not think it correct to tick off the comments of Delirious and WiseWebWoman as just political correctness. Their reaction heartfelt. And none of my friends who have the misfortune to see their parents go down the road into darkness do find it in the least bit funny. Even if they do, sometimes, laugh bitterly in the face of despair.
U
The Old Fossil said,
February 13, 2013 at 4:52 pm
Well, since I entered in the frivolity, I should take some of the flack. But, my behavior does not mean insensitivity to the subject. I had a close friend with whom I went the full distance of 6 years until early onset Alzheimer’s took her and the whole journey was quite painful. Still, drawing from her experience and response and from my own best moments facing adversity, I hope I can keep joking in its ugly face for as long as possible. It is akin to the response that Camus’ Sisyphus manages being eternally defiant of cruel fate.
Grannymar said,
February 13, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Fossie - I knew you travelled the road with Lori, therefore understood my light hearted angle in this post. There is more than one way to skin a cat, and if laughter eases the journey, why not use it.
Alice said,
February 13, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Laughter does ease the journey…in all areas of life, not just Alzheimer’s. I’m with you on this one G’mar!
Grannymar said,
February 13, 2013 at 7:48 pm
Alice - Thankfully I learned the power of laughter at an early age.
The Laughing Housewife said,
February 15, 2013 at 1:27 pm
I think you’ve got many years yet before that happens!
Grannymar said,
February 15, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Tilly - I hope so!