About
About the Blog
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Daddy and me |
In March 2012 my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and forced to retire. In the beginning he approached his condition with positivity and good humor, and while he remains in high spirits he has become blissfully unaware of his mental deterioration.
I grew up knowing Daddy loves two things with never-ending fervor: hot dogs and my mother’s behind (which he fondly calls her beehonkus). Thus, the title Hot Dog Beehonkus encapsulates Daddy’s sense of humor as well as my family’s promise to remain upbeat for Daddy’s and each other’s sake.
I hope this blog will help others who are coping with a loved one’s memory loss.
About the Blogger
In addition to running Hot Dog Beehonkus, I read essays at Atlanta literary events such as Write Club and Scene Missing: The Show. My writing partner Jason Mallory and I recently launched A Measly Growl, a website comprising collaborative essays that we hope one day will become a book. Check out bobbinwages.com to explore my other work and find out about upcoming events.
Hot Dog Beehonkus 
Hi Bobbin,
It’s been a while and we never actually met, we just emailed a bit back in early 2000 when I was living in ATL looking for other job opportunities and met you via TalentZoo. Anyway, i just got around to reading your blog and find our stories ridiculously similar. My father was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s back in early 2000 but he’s chugging along. His current diet consists of Mac and cheese, sesame coated Chinese chicken and best of all, Oreo’s, which he constantly blames my mother for eating because he can’t remember that he is actually the Cookie Monster.
Anyway your posts are really well written and I have enjoyed reading the ones I have gotten around to. I will keep up with it as you are providing me with a laugh and also useful info on ways to help my dad since I can’t cure him. You’re lucky in that you live near your father, I now only see mine once a year.
Hats off to you and keep up the good writing. You’ve got spirit, girl.
Hi, Katy! Of course I remember our correspondence during my Talent Zoo days. I’m so sorry to hear that your father has Alzheimer’s. I can’t help but smile at his diet and reference to the Cookie Monster. It sounds like he has a good attitude.
I’m afraid of what lies ahead for my dad, as everyone progresses at a different rate and experiences the disease differently. Still, Alzheimer’s is a disturbing and terrible disease. I read somewhere that if no medical advancements are made in terms of prevention, someone will develop Alzheimer’s every 30 seconds by 2050.
I wish you all the best, as well as your father. When I see my dad this weekend for Easter, I will give him a hug and an extra hug in honor of your father.
Let me know when you’re back in the Atlanta area! I’d love to meet in person.
Bobbin,
My name is Bill Griggs. Your dad and I started Miss Melbas preschool here in Hartwell and continued through NGC. Your lovely Mother was and is a good friend. What is happening with your Dad is so sad but your writings do such a good job. Thanks for sharing his journey with us. Please give your folks a hug for me and tell your mom I always likes her Beehonkus.
Bill NGC “69 and HCHS “65
Hey, Bill! It’s so nice to hear from you. I haven’t seen you since we saw the fireworks in Hartwell over a decade ago. I’ll definitely pass along the hugs to my parents, and the beehonkus compliment to my mother. All the best to you and Cheri!
Bobbin, Optimus here (from Yelp…) Though I have no first-hand experience with Alzheimers, I’m no stranger to the daily struggles of family disease, disorder, loss — and pressing through it all with pluck and humor. I want to reiterate that you’re quite probably my favorite writer. I’ve bookmarked this site and plan to catch up on the whole thing soon. I hope your Daddy has a long way to go yet, and congratulations on the impending nuptuals (this Ryan feller seems quite the catch!) I’ll be reading, laughing, and pretending there’s something in my eyes.
Hello, old Yelp friend! Thank you for stopping by my blog and offering so much encouragement. The positive feedback means a lot. I hope that all is well with you (in Decatur, right?). And yes, Ryan is quite the catch – I like to compare him to a glistening rainbow trout.
Yep, in Decatur. I’m doing well, thanks for asking; I’m very happy to be back in Georgia. Glad you reeled in “the big one” — matrimonially-speaking, of course! Take care of him… and yourself.