Just like my dad

I have found as I've grown up that I can see bits of my parents' character and personality in me. I suppose everyone does, and sometimes it's something to be proud of, and sometimes it isn't. We're part of our parents and part of our upbringing, including the friends, experiences and baggage we pick up along the way.

My dad has undergone a change of character since getting Alzheimer's several years ago. He was always quite a quiet person, but with a temper you wouldn't forget if you saw it in full swing. He didn't express emotions very readily. His condition has opened up - or made clearer anyway - a side of him we as his kids hadn't seen much of. He's still got a temper - not that we see much of it, but the folks who care for him say that he can be quite ready to shout at those who upset him. But he's also got a very emotional side - and more often than not when we go and see him, he's unable to stop the tears as he recognises a family face.

Last week when we went to see him, I saw a side of him I don't think I've seen for years. Whenever the young kids are visiting him, he still has enough awareness to try and amuse them - and one way he does this is by pretending to be asleep so that they can wake him up and he'll act surprised. Last week he was doing this and once when he woke up, Michelle my sister asked him what his name was. He started to say 'Malcolm' (the right answer) but couldn't get the word out properly, so he started to say a whole load of gobbledygook and pull funny faces to make us laugh. He was well aware he was doing it, and it was really funny - and we laughed and he laughed, then he said "That was funny wasn't it?" I was amazed at such a clear glimpse at his former self. I was lucky enough to catch it on video too, and I'm sure it will be a clip I return to many times to cheer myself up.

I showed Katrin my daughter the clip, and she said "Dad - I can see where you get it from!"

Comments

[Liz Curtis]

Made me feel teary too .... a precious moment.

[Tim the Enchanter]

Brilliant Jason. Cherish these moments.