Sunday, September 28, Kathy and I met with Daphne Dempsey at
her new residence in Bothell. She is
safe and comfortable in her apartment where breakfast is served in her room and
she is surrounded by her artifacts and memorabilia collected over a lifetime. Daphne treated Kathy and me to lunch in the
dining room then we returned to her apartment to meet Den and Irene Dempsey and
Den’s care giver, Sam.
Den has been challenged this past year with an aneurism
followed by a stroke which has not affected his memory, cognition, reasoning or
ability to read, but has affected his motor skills. He can stand but requires a wheel chair to
get around. He has limited use of his
left arm and hand. He is able to speak,
however, the stroke has immobilized the right side of his face which makes forming
words difficult.
Kathy was able to understand much of Den’s conversation and
Sam is able to express clearly Den’s meaning.
Irene is arranging for a speech assist device to enable Den to
communicate clearly on his own.
Irene explained the medical procedures Den has experienced
and their anticipated move to a small home in Everett. Daphne shared news about herself and told
several jokes which caused bursts of laughter.
Den spoke about his experiences and got a few laughs, too. He asked about my health issues and expressed
concern for my well being. Kathy related
news about her quilt making and showed photos on her phone. Sam good naturedly listened to all the
conversation and clarified when needed.
After Den’s visit to the Tri-Cities last year he and I felt
not only a kinship but a brotherly affection as we share common values and
interests. Daphne, Bob and Burt have
been very generous sharing photos and family history with me. I will make a priority to visit Den, Irene
and Daphne when in Western Washington.
