When I was in Coventry on Monday I managed to confirm that Maeve our own Songbird would be here today. 

I met Tom, her dad, in the Red Lion and we chatted about things, and their impending visit.  Maureen was thrilled when I told her that she would be seeing Maeve today, even though she will remind Maureen of the gap in her life since Denise died.

I think I am going to go for it today on a number of fronts.  Maeve’s presence gives Maureen an opportunity to relive happy events from her past.  If the going is good I will encourage Maureen to trim up for Christmas.  I’m sure that decorating our house – even at this late stage – may well help to bring back such lovely memories for Maureen.  I have already marked Tom’s card on this front and hope Maeve will be compliant.

Today might also be an opportunity for a bit of forward planning.  When Denise was alive, her and Maeve were regular visitors to our house.  It was unusual if we didn’t see them every six weeks or so.  Maureen really misses Maeve and the happy memories of Denise.  It would really help if we could sort out the next time we will see them before they leave.

It looks like an interesting day ahead with all sorts of possibilities.  I think I read somewhere that with dementia around strategies were more helpful than plans.  I’ll let you know tomorrow how my strategies work out……

I’m back sooner than expected as Maureen is in panic at the prospect of today’s visit.  She doesn’t want Maeve to see her looking a mess, and a clothing crisis is underway: nothing fits once gain.  I need to be at my level best to sort this one out.  I have disconnected the landline to avoid any further clumsy interventions in our lives.

I think the first song Maeve ever posted on YouTube sums it all up: Panic Chord.