Ted Part 2

Ted has now been in his new home for over one week. He has transitioned remarkably. I still haven't been to see him, but listening to Carol and others in the family, he seems to be right at home in his new environment. Alice (Ted's wife of 60 years isn't doing as well with the transion. She is complaining often of pain(physical). This past weekend, Dana (daughter number 2) came to stay with her. Dana appeared to have a difficult time dealing with Alice's physical and emotional pain. Alice has a tendency to cast blame on those she loves most for whatever ails her now. I have observed this via Carol for several years now. By the time we came home on Sunday, Dana was in need of a vacation...from her mom. It's a sad situation and there aren't many good options to choose. Hopefully with time both Ted and Alice will be at peace with their new life.

One fun thing about the place Ted is living. There is a gentleman there that Carol and Tom refer to as the Grumpy Old Man. He actually even looks like Walter Matthau. He dances to the beat of his own drum...and occassionally finds himself participating with the rest of the group. At such times, he will immediately stop, make a comment about how lame it is and then find somethig else to do. He is fighting the conformity and yet he is being reeled in little by little. One other note. Carol told me she got there during dinner the other night. There are 6 patients living in the same house...and each of them is wearing a matching bib in order to enjoy their dinner. Close your eyes...picture it and smile!