On a lighter note……one year in

Beachfan

Last Sunday marked one year without DH. On Saturday, I felt the need to carry out a threat that I had made many times over many years. DH coached HS baseball for 43 years on the field that is now named in his honor. He was successful, well respected, and well loved, but he was unable (or unwilling) to stay in the 3rd base “coaching box” (a small, marked, grassy area beside third base) when his team was batting. Instead, he would wander all along the 3rd baseline, calling encouragement and giving signs to each batter. (Not prohibited, but the coach must stay within the “box”). The opposing fans, seated behind him in the bleachers, constantly called for him to “stay in the box” or get thrown out of the game. It got ridiculous; the home fans loved it, the opposing fans screamed, the umps ignored it all and DH was never thrown out of any game. I told him, many times, that if I outlived him, I would make sure he was in that 3rd base box and he wouldn’t get out, ever.
After our grandson’s game on Saturday, my oldest son, who helps coach, carved out a small, neat niche by 3rd base and there rests “Coach” never more to terrorize the opposing fans.
I apologize if our family activity is offensive to anyone or macabre; but we all have great memories made on that field and wanted a part of DH to rest in peace there in the spot where he had so much fun. That’s how we roll. I miss him every day, especially now when the grandkids play; somehow the games are not as exciting. May you all find peace after Alzheimer’s in any way you can.

Kibbee

That is thoughtful and fitting, now your DH can forever be present in a place that brought him joy.

ThisLife

Oh, Beachfan! I absolutely love this. Building new precious memories.

ButterflyWings

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

M1

bravo! I love it too!!!!

fmb

What a fitting resting place! I think that is wonderful.

midge333

Outstanding! What a great idea and implementation!

PookieBlue

Beachfan, That is a great picture of your husband! What fond memories you must have. Thanks for sharing.

harshedbuzz

I love this.

trottingalong

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/69024/on-a-lighter-note-one-year-in

wonderful! Loved the story.

jsps139_

How fun - I’m sure he’s looking down laughing at the jester and happy to be in the box!
Thanks for sharing!!

ImMaggieMae

LOVE this! What a great honor and lasting memory!

JeriLynn66

Absolutely beautiful and loving tribute. And oh, the memories for your kids and grands. ❤️

concerned_sister

Baseball is a big part of our family's life as well. I love it.

psg712

That is beautiful. Also gives much hope that the good memories can bring comfort after the ravages of dementia are over. Thank you.

Brokenhearted in Illinois

Beautiful memories

SSHarkey

Oh, I love this! What a perfect way to honor his legacy and his love of the game and the kids!

Jgirl57

That was wonderful to read! Thank you for sharing!!!!

wose

This is wonderful 💜 Our first date was a baseball game. Baseball has been a part of my life since the day I was born. So very grateful for happy memories shared.

GothicGremlin

I love this! I think it honors him, and from what I know of him, I think it would give him a smile.

Nowhere

You’ve endured a year! What a beautiful tribute to mark the occasion and ground and honor your husband’s legacy. You found a meaningful way to keep the memory of him alive and in good “form”. And I can just feel his spirit leaving that box whispering encouragement into the ears of players and coaches who follow. ⚾️

mrahope

Oh, @Beachfan . You have been so courageous and loving, and I'm glad your family was able to honor your DH and his great coaching legacy in a way that would have pleased him. FWIW, we did something kinda "out there", too. When my mother passed, she simply told us to have her funeral/burial in any way that provided us comfort. So we bought biodegradable turtle-shaped urns and placed her ashes , and those of her favorite cat inside. We set them free on a river on my sister's property and had a dinner afterwards, remembering the many happy times we'd all enjoyed there. Remembering a life well lived doesn't have to be sober. It can be a time for enjoying shared memories.

White Crane

Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing it.

RickM

DearBeach fan, I loved your story. Thank you for sharing. Peace.

eaglemom

This is an absolutely beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.

eagle

mommafour

Beachfan, how wonderful. I hope the tribute and memories of your DH bring you and your family much peace and comfort.

remarquis

as my sister has fallen deeper into the Alzheimer’s rabbit hole, my nephew and I track the funny things she has said or done. Not to make fun of her, but to give us memories we will look back on fondly.
that said, it’s like what you have done as well, and I’m here for it! It’s a fabulous tribute and provides fond memories.