Last night I was thinking about Gregory's bear. I think that of all the wonderful things I did for Gregory; to help make his life with Alzheimer's safe, comfortable, and as enjoyable as possible ... the bear was the best thing I ever did.
It got its name, Peaceful, when one day I was at Lieberman watching Gregory sleep while holding on to his bear. I wondered to myself, "When people with Dementia/ Alzheimer's sleep, are they at peace?"
Peaceful became a form of communication for Gregory. When sad he would hold the bear, once I captured a photo of him "crying into his bear" and being comforted. Another time I saw him, in anger, toss the bear across the room. It helped Gregory express that anger and then he was OK. Peaceful didn't mind!
Peaceful became a mascot of sorts for all of Lieberman. It was with Gregory wherever he went including down to the community room for concerts and other entertainments. People would greet the bear, inquire after the bear's health, and ask to hold the bear.
I purchased four (4) identical bears so that in the event of one becoming lost, or needing to go home with me to be washed; Gregory would always have his bear. At one point two bears went missing and one was at the condo spending time in the washer and dryer, and Gregory still had his bear to hold and to love.
When the bear would go missing, or as I called it "off on an adventure," he always found his way home via housekeeping, the laundry staff, Resident Care Assistants, and even at times the Social Worker or Head Nurse! Gregory's name was on the ribbon but I believe most people knew where the bear belonged and returned it to Gregory without much trouble.
Gregory just loved that bear. He would hold it while watching TV or listening to music. He would stroke it unconsciously and seemed to enjoy the feel of its fur.
The bear was always with us and helped celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other occasions. At Chanukah, Gregory donned a red scarf so he would look festive, like Peaceful with his red ribbon bow.
Peaceful celebrated Halloween. Gregory and he passed out a huge bowl of Trick or Treat candy to every department at Lieberman. Peaceful went dressed in his clown costume.
Gregory loved going outside to sit in the sun. Peaceful would always come along to keep him company. When preparing to go outside, Manny or I would gather Gregory's hat, his sun glasses, a bottle of water, a few treats, and if it might be chilly a jacket. We always made sure not to leave Peaceful behind.
The photo below was taken by God-Son Isaac of Gregory in the second day of his coma and the day before he passed. You can see that Peaceful was on duty, as usual!
When Gregory died, all four Peaceful's were in place. I kept one, one went to friend Susan O'Halloran, one went to a nurse as a remembrance, and one was left at Lieberman for the other residents to continue holding and loving. If Peaceful could tell you his part of this story, I wonder what he would say?
