Cataracts

Mom went to the eye doctor today. She hadn't been to him in a little over a year, and since she developed cataracts, he likes to check her annually.

We got into my car and she said, "Is this your new car?" She has been on this kick for a few days now. Some how she believes that I have a new vehicle. I always say, no, it's same one I've had for the last 13 years. I can't figure out what changed in her mind, but she swears that I have a different rig.

I carry Mom's walker in the car so it's available when we need it. It made me feel sad to get it out today and watch her use it, but I am also thankful that she doesn't fight me about using it, at least not yet. She didn't say a word when I got it out of the car - she just stepped right up to it and walked.

At the doctor's office, he patiently examined Mom. I had filled out an update form and had to indicate that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which just about killed me. The doctor said the cataracts were bad enough that Mom might want to consider surgery. He said perhaps she could read a bit better after the surgery. He said the local hospital has state-of-the-art equipment for cataract surgery and recommended a doctor who is trained on the new equipment. He said to discuss it and let him know. I hesitated mainly because of Mom's age. It's a risky procedure, as all surgeries are. But he also said we could wait a year and it wouldn't make any difference. So, I'll discuss it with my sister and see what she says.

Mom used to be a voracious reader. She not only read the paper every day, but she devoured books. Then she just lost interest in reading altogether. Of course the print on the newspaper is so small I can hardly read it any more, but when my sister brought over some large print books, Mom would look at it and then put it down. So I wonder if she just can't comprehend enough to enjoy reading any more. She does glance through our hometown newspaper every week, but then after she knows I've read it, she asks me if I noticed anything in the paper.

After the appointment, as I started the car, Mom asked, "Now who does this belong to?"
I give up.