The What and Why

Daddy has dementia.  To me, that's enough to know.  I have entered the world of dementia, however, where it is not enough to just know it's dementia.  You have to know what kind.  Some people have multiple types.   Who knew there was more than one kind?  Turns out, there are lots.  No matter what kind, the overwhelming majority, like Daddy's, are not reversible.  So, really, does it matter the type or how many types he has?  He's still lost his brain function, his memory, and much of his ability to communicate - that's what's important to me.
That's kind of like life here in the Trenches.  When someone finds out you're divorcing, they want to know why.  Did you cheat?  Did your spouse?  Did your spouse just up and leave?  Did they abuse you?  Di you abuse them?  Granted, if you are in a state with grounds for divorce, or you're in a serious relationship with another individual, the answers to all those questions are extremely important.  For most friends, acquaintances and co-workers, knowing you're divorced is really all they need to know.  It means: 1) you're not married; and 2) you have suffered a legal, financial and emotional loss from which you may or may not have yet recovered.  Is the rest of it really all that important to the world at large?  I don't think so, yet I'm continually amazed at how many people think the reason is everyone else's business and important to the continuation of life on this planet.  Divorced is divorced, just like Dad has dementia.  That's the only vital piece of information for most of us.  Here in the Trenches.