Monday, April 21, 2008

$$$$$$$$$

One thing that seems to be real universal with everyone that I know that has Alzheimer's is the lack of being able to deal with math. I can't make change anymore. I just usually give the clerks a twenty and they give me change back. Today I was in Borders bookstore and my bill came to $27.45. I handed the lady $17.00 in cash. She tried to explain to me that I was short -- I understood what she was saying but I couldn't wrap my mind around it in order to give her more money. I just stood there not believing I couldn't figure it out. Needless to say, I got frustrated and took the money back and gave her a credit card. I always joke that "God made credit cards" for those with Alzheimer's that can't handle money. It makes you feel so stupid that you can't figure something as simple as that -- and I didn't want to tell the lady why I couldn't make the change in the first place! How frustrating.

The book I did buy at Borders is called "The Story of Forgetting" about a family dealing with Early On Set Alzheimer's with several members of their family. If anyone has read it yet, please let me know what you think. I've read some good reviews on it.

Speaking of money........$7.99 for a watermelon at the grocery store? I don't think so! Talk about sticker shock! If gas prices weren't bad enough!

And, the last thing about money -- I have to have yet another crown -- another $1,000 to my dentist! What fun. My husband said with all the crowns I've had lately that that was my trip to Australia --- considering that is probably never going to happen anyway -- I guess he is right.

1 comment:

Kate Evans said...

I've heard good things, too, about The Story of Forgetting, but I haven't read it yet.

The best books I've read about Alzheimer's have been the memoirs by Thomas DeBaggio.

I also think two books from the point of view of loved ones/caregivers are really good: Elegy for Iris (by John Bayley) and Death in Slow Motion (by Eleanor Cooley).

Your blog is inspirational. Thank you. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year, and she's keeping a diary in a notebook.