One day my dad, who had dementia caused by a failed brain surgery, said to me, “You used to be a better office manager,” (one of my validating roles for him).  I choked back tears as I said, “Dad, I’m doing the best I can.” He looked up at me, his eyes suddenly clear and lucid, and said “Yes, I know.” Then, he quickly returned to his world of dementia. I keep that precious moment tucked away in my heart to bring forth when I, myself, need validation that at the bottom of it all, my loved ones knew I did my best. 

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