Recently, Alan's middle daughter, Sandy, and her family were in Utah and visited Dad. I heard a bit from Alan about the visit and then spoke to Sandy about it.
Dad was asleep when they came to visit, but they didn't realize he's now hooked up to three different alarms, so the staff will know when he's getting up. As they came close to his bed, they set off one of the alarms. Greg, Sandy's husband, was able to get it turned off, and Dad woke up, not startled but just gently came awake.
Sandy said Dad was very alert and responsive. She didn't think he knew exactly who they were, but she was aware that he knew they were family--that they loved him and that he loved them.
He told them how well they were treating him at the facility, saying, "Everybody's treating me like I'm somebody important!" Sandy asked if Dad had seen Christie who was visiting from Pennsylvania, and Dad said, "Oh, yes!"--surprising when Dad usually can't remember who visited him earlier that same day!
Sandy said the kids were nervous (they haven't seen their Papadaddy in more than a year, I'd guess). But Zach, their 5-year-old, was the least nervous and sang two songs, with Andrew, their 8-year-old, joining in. They sang the "ABC Song" and "I Am a Child of God," and Sandy said she thought Dad could have joined in and sung along. He didn't, but he enjoyed the kids and the songs very much.
When they were ready to leave, Sandy suggested to their youngest, Ava, that she give Papadaddy a hug. Dad said, "I don't think she's quite ready for that!" Sandy was amazed that Dad was able to read Ava's cues so clearly.
Sandy emphasized that she doesn't think Dad is usually so alert and responsive, but she said that it was a great experience for them.
I'll write more in two weeks.
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