Here is a recent picture taken of Tenga at the fair (in the House of Illusion). He was standing next to me while I was adjusting the size to email it. When he saw it he said, "Sakyong". I said, "That's you". He said, "No, give to Sakyong".
Click the picture to enlarge.
Report from Taggie's caregiver, Erin Christie
September, 2009
Tenga has been in a stable place for the last month or more. We were on a bit of a roller coaster ride with the med changes, seeing some agitation and insomnia, but this seems to have dissipated and opened up into something quite beautiful. Tenga has been in a really good space, his choice in words reflects the space he holds saying things like awesome, good job for you, good work, welcome, thank you, pretty, etc... A fellow colleague was visiting the other night and described him as a breath of fresh air.
He has marked improvement and interest in completing tasks. His morning routine which consists of getting up, bathing, brushing his teeth, making his bed, picking up his room, meditating and eating breakfast has seen a lot of growth. When I first started it was difficult for him to get out of bed. These days he gets right up upon first request, sometimes without any prompting. Instead of me leading him in what to do next, he tells me what he wants to do or he just does it without me. He enjoys putting away the dishes.
Two years ago I would ask for him to help and 50% of the time or less he would put a few things away with prompting. Now I can't drink my tea fast enough before he is offering to take care of the cup for me. I love it. When he is around the dishes rarely sit in the dish pan. We are working on washing and drying them before putting them away. He is pretty good about the drying; he is also showing interest in washing which is huge since when I first met him he didn't like getting his hands wet. Today he washed and dried a few cups and plates he was dying to put away.
So this type of attitude for the most part is present in everything we do, grocery shopping, running errands, helping me do whatever I might need help with. Usually while he helps out he says "welcome, good job for you" or something along these lines.
Walks ~ These are farther and easier and are actually pleasant. He usually wants to chant a mantra. He smiles and points out things like water or a butterfly saying beautiful. He keeps track of the dogs and even walks Jacque on a leash.
Meditation ~ We meditate off and on throughout the day. He prefers saying mantras. The one he has been saying for weeks is "Om Benza Sato Hung". Our daily walks are usually walking meditation. He has been talking about the Dali Lama and when asked what he would like me to share with you all he kept saying "Dalai Lama".
Diet ~ He is pretty good about sticking to his diet. He had a yearly physical last week and the doctor said he looked really good, especially his weight, and was happy to hear about the med reductions. I've found making sure he has had enough food around medications is important. He tends to become grumpy and agitated if he doesn't have enough food in his stomach. He still has a sweet tooth and on occasion we break the diet for a treat.
Communication ~ I have found that what Tenga says has meaning and it's a matter of understanding what he means by it. I'll ask a series of questions to help understand. When I nail it, he says "good work" or "yes" reassuringly. I believe the more we believe in Tenga the stronger he becomes. I see Tenga as a "people person" who likes to socialize. These days he is always on the go, visiting "sangha" (as he puts it).