Dad with dementia

Happy father's Day to my dad, he won't be able to read this but I'd love the world to know about him. He's a different dad now to the one I grew up with, thanks to one of the many different types of dementia, I think it's the worst kind of thief. I haven't had my home burgled but I've had my dad slowly stolen from me.

I miss the dad jokes and quick wit I grew up with. what I think I miss most is something that didn't happen, the relationship between my daughter and her poppy. When she was a toddler before we knew he had dementia their relationship was so special and I was so excited for the future for them as I didn't have a grandparental relationship however the universe had other plans. In less than 10 years dementia has overtaken his mind to the point where he almost needs full time care so she doesn't have tangible memories of her and poppy but I'm thankful for photos and the time they had and I'm thankful that I got a relationship with him, as him, for as long as I did.

I love you dad