It's a cruel thing. When I was visiting my parents for Christmas, we paid a visit to one of Mum's oldest friends. Carol was like a second Mum growing up, I was only about 2 when we moved in to the house behind theirs more than 40 years ago. So whenever I'm visiting the folks, we always pop in to see Carol.
It had been a few months since we'd visited, so this visit we noticed a big difference. Whilst she's nowhere near the state you've described here with your Dad, I can see it coming like an oncoming train. We could still have a conversation, but it was punctuated with the same questions or statements over and over. We were only there a couple of hours, but it was heartbreaking to see that glimpse into what's coming.
It really makes me wonder what the future holds for me. Will there come a time where I'm in that boat and no longer recognise my daughter?
Life is a cruel mistress.
Yep, that's how it starts. Heartbreaking really. It' something I sometimes think about, as in what will it be like if (when) it happens to me. We have no children so we will need to look after ourselves. I've vowed not to go into a nursing home, but who knows I guess right? Especially if I am in my dad's condition. Sobering thought really. Makes me want to live life to the fullest now.