25 December 2025
Good Morning Everyone,
I had to write to thank you for all the letters and notes you have sent me, wishing me well for the holidays, for the short notes each day, and for the good wishes that the new medications for Don will work. You have no idea how much I appreciate each one. I am overwhelmed by the warmth and love of our Bird World community. What struck me most is the warmth and caring from so many who are also experiencing very challenging days – parents who have gone into care with dementia, others having chemo and radiation therapy or facing surgeries, and some who will have insurmountable financial obstacles in the new year. I am so very, very touched by your kindness and, yes, your love. I can feel it, and it truly helps me get through these terrible days.
Dementia or Alzheimer’s (they are different) seems to have touched all of our lives. Either a parent or sibling has died or has this terrible disease, or you have known someone with it. Memory centres are full, hospital beds are full, and the holidays seem to be a prime time when mental illness doesn’t go to sleep but starts boiling over for many.
I am happy to say that the additional medication cocktail has kept Don more or less sedated. He went back to bed at noon on Wednesday and didn’t wake up till 1900, when he ate, brushed Toby, talked, and held me, and then was back in bed by 2130. Was he just overly tired? To so suddenly become agitated and violent is very strange, and his doctor certainly thinks that he could have an infection or something. He has been drinking a lot of water, and I wondered if he was dehydrated. We will never know.
I could not go to sleep tonight without reaching out to you to thank you again for your wonderful kindness and to wish you, your family, and your friends and all our pets and raptors a happy holiday.
One of our very talented Bird World community menbers sent this from Japan. Isn’t it marvellous?! Thank you ‘A’.
Thank you Mary Ann! That is one cute little Osprey! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all your family! I hope you have got or will get soon the card from me. I was a bit late sending it and I’m sorry about that.
Have a great Christmas Day!
Don’t forget the Cardemom rolls!
They are so delicious!
Linda
Thank you Mary Ann for your kind thoughts. Here’s wishing you that lazy, peaceful Christmas you mentioned in one of your blogs. Be a dare devil and carry it on until after the New Year!
Mary Christmas!
If Don is still doing puzzles,
I made one out of the Jolly Osprey, lol.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/4Reet
Mary Ann, wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas. My thoughts are with you as you manage life with a loved one with dementia. I can relate, and sending you support and caring thoughts. You are a special person and I enjoy reading about not only the birds that we all love, but your own animals….indoors and outdoors!!! All the best to you!
Thank you so much, Cindy, for reaching out to me. I am so sorry that you are able to relate to this – the reality is that almost everyone knows or has had a family member with either Alzheimer’s or Dementia. They are davastating diseases that steal lives in unthinkable ways. I am sorry you had to go through this, too. I know that my life is changing signiicantly but my goal is to continue illing all of the spaces with as much love and hope as I can no matter the outcome.
You are in my thoughts every day, Mary Ann. Wish there was something I could do to help from afar!
Thank you.