My husband has been very disoriented since we returned from vacation several weeks ago. I don't know if this is because we changed venues so many times on our trip or if it is just because.
For instance, so far this week, he's claimed to have owned our car (the one I drive) longer than he's known me. He says it is "his" car. This is fascinating, as I bought the car myself. And he was with me. He said at the time that he wanted me to have the experience of doing the selecting and haggling, so I'd know what to do.
He's asked me if I've ever been to what most people would consider to be our home town. The place where we went to high school. The place where we met. The place where we were married. The place where we lived after he left the service. The place where our oldest son was born.
He became indignant and combative when I reminded him that we co-own our house ("I've lived here a lot longer than I've known you!") and have lived in it for 32 years ("Well, oh, yeah? If that's so, then where have you been?!"). We've had this conversation off and on for the past few days, and it generally culminates with, "Well, I guess I'll have to take your word for it." Is this painful? You bet.
Today, he didn't remember (for a brief moment, I am assuring myself) that I'm the mother of his children. Or that he had children. Or that the darlings whose mugs are on the coffee mug are our grandchildren (his grandchildren, yes).
A few minutes after eating a large (and tasty, if I say so myself) dinner this evening, he rather demanding asked, "No food?!" "We just ate." "Oh, yeah."
But the good news is that he thinks he won our house as a prize for something. He said so the other day. He couldn't believe his great good luck. I couldn't believe my ears. And he also can't believe his great good luck that I'm staying over again tonight. Silver linings. Always look for the silver linings.
