(Mum was getting dad a bike......).
Today has been difficult - not because it's dads birthday (I very soon realised he had no conscious understanding of that). Today was difficult because I think we realised more than ever - our dad is not returning....not how we all know him..... The fleeting moments remain precious but the extent of cognitive understanding is limited.
MAGIC HOSPITAL MOMENT:
The spark in dads eyes today when his grandson Gus entered the room, was something I wish I could bottle. After a vocal rendition of happy birthday from Gus, big hugs, kiss, and plenty of high fives, dad appeared like nothing was wrong. It was a priceless moment I will never forget. As for Gus, he exited the room, letting Papa know: "that was a GOOD handshake". Whether 2 or 60, we all 'working on the rehab!'.
I hear your chants of "remain positive" but we need to remain real also to move forward with a man no less loved but without the assets that made him the person he was.