Changes

We began to notice subtle changes in Dink.
There was nothing alarming about these changes, but we now realize these were symptoms of  what lay ahead.

When the family gathered for holidays we would often play board games or cards.  We were surprised when Dink chose not to join in the games, but rather to observe.  She had always enjoyed the friendly competition of these games throughout the years.  She quit her weekly Bridge group of friends.

Repetition.
Dink asked questions.
Then she asked them again.
And again.
At times she would ask the same question three of four times during the course of an evening.  It was not a big deal.  She was eighty.  It was OK if her memory was not as sharp as it once was.

She had some minor health issues.
She went to doctors.
She seemed to never like any doctor she saw.
She changed doctors often.

Mom and Dad had worked hard during their lifetime to save their money for retirement.  Mom was a pro at budgeting.  She balanced her checkbook to the penny.  Though not extravagant, she had money for most anything she desired to buy.  She enjoyed her banking errands.  Over time she perhaps enjoyed them to the point that she became somewhat of a nuisance where she banked.  She went to the banks OFTEN to "check on her money".  She was a bit obsessed with her banking accounts.

She changed her driving habits, just a bit.
She quit driving after dark.
We, as a family, discussed Mom's driving and wondered about her safety.  We wondered about how to approach this subject with her.  On the occasions where we refused to ride in the car with her she became very angry.  Just because she was "old" didn't mean she wasn't a good driver, she pointed out.  She had received no citations and had not had any wrecks.  She made some valid points.  Still, none of us were willing to ride with her when she drove.

Alone, none of these changes in Mom's behavior seemed anything to be concerned about.  Mom remained totally independent, just the way she liked it!