Friday, Jan. 24, 2020—Today I’m resuming the diary, mainly because for the first time in 32 years LaVona and I are living separately.  About a month ago, LaVona was ordered by a doctor at Allina Owatonna hospital to a memory care facility.  Her daughter Melody recommended Timberdale Trace just a few blocks from our house in south Owatonna.  Since she’s been in room 18 of Timberdale, her memory loss and general bewilderment has increased noticeably.  Several times this week she asked me if we were married. If I ask her the names of her eight children, she can’t remember a single one unless I ask her to sing a song that the doctor who delivered all eight composed for her, one that lists the names in a catchy rhyme and melody.  

   

   She continues to request to return home.  I continue to tell her Timberdale is her current home as prescribed by her doctor.  She doesn’t find that answer very satisfying.

  I’m writing this at Old Town Bagel where I stopped in for a bagel sandwich and coffee. Now it’s time to pack up and walk the two miles along the Straight River trail to the car and drive over to Timberdale for a visit before heading home to make supper.  

  Being home alone is a novelty after 32 years of living with LaVona.