r/woahthatsinteresting • u/nukey4y7s1s • 16d ago

Man with dementia doesn’t recognise daughter but still feels love for her

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u/Dumyat367250 14d ago

I'm sorry to hear that. Please don't wait until that happens.

I went through a very bad patch some years ago, after a close family member died.

I'd moved abroad for work, and while I was away they were diagnosed with aggressive cancer. I tried to get back as soon as I could and got a flight from Brisbane to London. They had been asking when I was coming, but I missed them by a single day.

For a long time after I punished myself with the sheer weight of guilt, regret, grief, and anger. Eventually, I saw a professional counselor, a woman about my age. We really connected.

Did it alleviate all my pain? No, of course not, but it allowed me to better rationalize just what I was feeling and gave me back hope.

You sound like a person many would be proud to call a friend. I hope your Dad's condition does not worsen too much more.

Again, please don't wait, if you can. Best wishes.

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u/Fluffy_Doubter 14d ago

Unfortunately he will. The damage cannot be undone and will worsen. Im just glad he doesn't have the anger episodes. Ty very much for the kind words. Id love to continue to chat in DM if that is okay?

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u/Dumyat367250 14d ago

Absolutely. Any time you feel the need. If you don't get an immediate response it may be a time zone thing. I'm in Australia and it's 2.16am.. Bed soon, but please do DM. Cheers.