Pete's father, Frank, has always been a positive, happy person. He lives for the moment, doesn't take many things too seriously, and when it comes to something potentially stressful, he subscribes to the notion that "ignorance is bliss." Everyone who knows Frank loves his positive attitude and his optimistic outlook on life. Sounds like a great way to be. The only problem is that Pete is noticing that Frank
is experiencing signs of dementia, a "taboo" subject for Frank that he chalks up to senior moments and wants to avoid talking about altogether.
Pete's father-in-law had dementia for ten years and Pete watched him go from forgetting simple things, such as driving directions, to forgetting his own wife and daughter years later. He is seeing some of the same early symptoms in his own father. His mother is also aware of Frank getting lost, forgetting to pay bills, and even wandering aimlessly in the neighborhood, but she seems to be in denial herself,
making vacation plans and crossing off their bucket list items. Pete doesn't know whether to suggest to them to get his father checked, or let his parents enjoy their retirement and live in denial for as long as possible.
