Watching Butterflies with my Uncle
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203454)
Nashville, Tennessee
October 9, 2019 2:04pm CST
Many of you know I talk to my 90 y/o uncle who has dementia every day. He lives 500 miles away and right now I cannot make the trip to visit. So we talk. Some days I only listen. Many times conversations make no sense. But I listen.
Today it was a whole new world for him. I called and instead of asking how he was, I just started talking about butterflies. I told him about the excitement in my garden earlier with seeing the monarchs.
This started a wonderful conversation with him. He told me about the ones he saw in his yard as well. Maybe he did, I don't know, doesn't matter. We were talking. And not about his funeral for a change.
I got his sitter on the phone to ask about face time on the phone. She was able to explain to him how I was going to call and he would see my face. So I did, and it worked. He was like a kid on Christmas morning. He just keep staring at my face. He said you are so close like I can touch you.
I walked out in the garden with the phone and showed him the butterflies. Again, he was like a kid. I wish I would have remembered to record the call. The joy in his voice is something I have not heard in a very long time.
I will make this happen again. I have a better feeling about him. At least for today. A day at a time.
Can you tell I am still smiling.
12 people like this
12 responses
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
11 Oct 19
This is really something to smile about.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
9 Oct 19
that's wonderful! i've learnt not to ask some folks how their day'd be, sure's been beneficial. brilliant he 'twas able to do that facetime with ya, hon. takin' such outdoors so he could see the beauty firsthand a major bonus. i've nary a clue how to record such, but'd sure be lookin' to find out. would be wonderful to've his sweet face, filled with wonderment.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
10 Oct 19
@CarolDM aw, how sweet, hon! i'd try to help ya out with that recordin' thingy, but 've no idea 'bout those smart phones. i ferbid this'un from bein' one, lol.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
9 Oct 19
Awwww that is so awesome. You made his so happy. I can only imagine how excited and happy he must have felt. So wonderful.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99399)
• Canada
10 Oct 19
@CarolDM Those are precious moments that you will treasure forever.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (71664)
• United States
9 Oct 19
That is definitely nice to talk about something much more pleasant and beautiful. That is so nice he got to see you via facetime. At his age he must find it so intriguing. To be able to show him the butterflies as well must have made it even more am for him.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (169893)
• United States
9 Oct 19
I am very glad you were able to talk to him about something positive. It is sweet of you to be so caring towards him. I have some elderly relatives I talk to as well,,,but none in that age group.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95082)
• Marion, Ohio
9 Oct 19
It is wonderful that you thought to do that and you both enjoyed it so much.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (155957)
• United States
9 Oct 19
You did a wonderful thing. You should do this every time and make him happy.
1 person likes this