Napping

L1039239, originally uploaded by Susan NYC.

Sometimes on the way to visit my father I wonder if he'll be dead. He's 94. He seems to be relatively healthy, but he's old. And then when I walk into his room and see him stretched out like this, I watch for some movement.

He looks so peaceful and relaxed when he's napping. I hope this is the way he passes away.

Lost in Thought

L1034298, originally uploaded by Susan NYC.

Sometimes my father looks very thoughtful. I know (despite his Alzheimers) he has times when he "thinks things over." The other day he told me he was confused, he didn't know where he lives. I feel awful when he says that - what a scary feeling to be lost. I went back the next day - though I don't usually go two days in a row - and he was fine. I wonder if something upset him.

Mrs. Ascher

Mrs. Ascher, originally uploaded by Susan NYC.

Taken in May 2005 at the Classic Residence by Hyatt in Yonkers. My father lived there for a while until he fell and broke his hip. Great place for people with Alzheimers.  Clean, cheerful, happy.

When Mrs. Ascher saw me aim my camera across the table at her, she paused and smiled for me. She used to write young adult novels - and, her daughter told me, published eleven (if I remember right).

Mrs. Ascher had a real crush on my father.  If I took him out for lunch, she got mad at me and told him off.  He didn't have any interest in Mrs. Ascher.