Laurette has her 82nd birthday today. She was diagnosed with AD at 73 and we didn't know how long she would be around, so we're all quite happy. Today we had Subway in the park and she devoured a 6" sub, a 16oz orange juice, and a bag of chips. Keep in mind, she's only 90 lbs! Then we went for a 2 mile walk and she had another 16oz of water. When I told her we walked two miles she said "Really? I didn't notice."

If only her mind was in the same shape as her body! The whole time I was listening to the same story, a 10-15 second story that begins with something from when she was about 10 years old and ends with something from when she was about 40. She enjoyed the sun and the birds and the kids at the park, so I think she had a good birthday. She's fast asleep now.

I told her she was 82 and she just laughed, like it was hard to believe. I'm sure that's true for just about everybody her age.

It sounds like Laurette had a beautiful birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURETTE You have a great grandson that you can be proud of.

Make sure you tell her I said so Jezza.

What a beautiful day together (though heartbreaking at times, I know).

What I love about those good moments is we can re-tell her tomorrow and the next day and the next what we/she did(!), and enjoyed, together. It's one of those win-win 'distractions' giving us both a little happiness.

I'm glad you shared this, Jezza. You've given me some peace tonight. And you've reminded me to re-live these moments more often with my mom. Thank you.

Happy Birthday to Laurette, today and tomorrow!

Happy Birthday Laurette!

Jezza, I am so happy you had a good day with your grandmother Laurette today. Those are the memories you will hold dear for years to come.

It sounds like you two had a wonderful day. I just can't believe the shape she is in physically for her age. No wonder she can't believe she is 82.

Thanks so much for sharing about Laurette's birthday, it sounded like a wonderful day. Amazing what she could eat, just amazing. My mom was doing that for a while, eating huge amounts when we would take her out, then asking for ice-cream!! So strange that their bodies can even handle that much. And I can't believe she could walk that far, is that normal for her? You are a good grandson Jezza, may the Lord richly bless you for your service.

~Kelly~

Happy Belated Birthday, Laurette!

When we go for walks it's always either two or three miles - two or three trips around the park. (We have a nice big park nearby.) I don't know many people her age that are as agile as she is.

I'm not sure I'd want to or could walk three miles right now. She must be a good on, Jezza.

Had me worried when I first saw the post this morning. I thought it had been another year already and I'd missed my birthday.