So nice to hear from you!
My Dad has been diagnosed with dementia, I've been reading up what to expect. Most say don't try to bring them back to the present, just upsets them (as you saw with your mom.) If she brings up a person who is deceased, you may try redirecting to a positive memory of the person, asking when she saw them last, or saying "wasn't he funny at the --party (birthday, Christmas, if you knew the person) and get her talking on a more upbeat note.
Your summary left me curious as to WHERE CHRIS moved to, job wise! Maybe it is worth looking him up? Just a thought.
You are right, the next chapter in your life is just waiting to be written . . . . Glad you are working on enjoying the wait! :)
