My Dad has Alzheimer's, and he's forgotten where I live.

[slusher]

Alan, he sounds like he had a full life.  We live in a different world the what our fathers lived in.  If I remember correctly you and him had a face to face on a visit and told him what was on your heart and apologized.  You love him that’s what’s important.  It’s just important to care and love him and in sickness he is blessed in a home a great view and a loving family. Don’t let the devil make you feel guilt.  
could you find some old tractor books for him. Maybe some books o life in his generation.  Just trying to help. I feel for you and at one time we have much in common.  God bless you..

[stavanzer]

I wish you were closer, Carl. We would have a drink and talk.

 PM Me if you want. I'm working all weekend, so it may take me some time to get back to you.

Thanks!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Sorry to hear of his difficulties.

I've watched several old friends slowly fade away, and it's heartbreaking, as you say.

I've read a lot on the subject, as I'm pretty ancient myself and hope to avoid a similar decline.

What I've found is that physical activity and trying to keep learning new things seem to be linked with lessening the effects.

Of course, to derive any benefits, you have to be fit enough physically, and have to have the interest in learning on a daily basis.

I wish both of you all the best possible.

[mikemodeler]

I have failed him, not the other way around.

 

Don't let that sentence define you. I am sure your father wishes things turned out differently for you, I know mine did. But we can't change what is and what happened.

 

I am the only one of my siblings to not graduate college and that is something I know bothered my dad. Like you, I was headstrong and knew better and when several opportunities to return to college presented themselves, my father was the most encouraging. My dad stuttered his whole life so he did not speak much because he was often teased about it but when he did speak, you listened out of respect and also because he had words of wisdom to share.

Work on being a better person in life if you haven't already. It isn't always about the fanciest car, clothes or house, it's how you treat others. Higher education isn't for everyone so accept where you are and work on improving it for YOU. While your dad used his education to be a teacher, something spoke to him about working with his hands and he gave up being a teacher to pursue a career that sounds was more to his liking. Chasing your dreams can be more fulfilling than chasing a paycheck.