This is my day with my mother as well. My mother has started sucking and biting the skin on her hand. Not breaking skin. I can see the new anxiety in her as the disease takes a turn. I can see the new anxiety in me.
So sad that we now live in a country where people cannot be free to be who they are.
On another note, take care of yourself on your life's journey with your love. So many share with you. My sister is across the country cared for by her daughter and I pray for her every day during her journey.
...Graham Green writes, as you state it, about his "disillusionment with humanity," which, apparently, is a theme that, unfortunately, will never get old: which is no argument for surrendering and reason to surrender our humanity to those who are the reason for our own such disillusion. // Notwithstanding, I remain --to state it mildly-- profoundly disappointed that so many of our fellow countrymen, and countrywomen, voted (apparently) to put this sociopath back in office-- and, thus, to put us through the countless daily abominations this administration takes pleasure in inflicting upon the country and the world; such intentional inhumanity necessarily, and increasingly, weighs on one...
One of the first things that struck me when I started learning a little about Alzheimer's disease was how widespread it is. Yet I don't think we've really brought it into public life and acceptance, the way we have with cancer or diabetes. I think this has something to do with the effects of Alzheimer's, the way it attacks the brain and makes those it affects unable to advocate for themselves or others. And caregivers like me feel overwhelmed and put raising awareness and marching to raise money for research, etc. below getting the laundry and the shopping done and everything else we have to do to get through the day.
Will, my heart aches for you both. Your compassionate care of your bride, is a reflection of your character and compassion, both of which are in seemingly short supply these days.
Please show the same compassion for yourself as you go, you deserve it.
You are a model of patience from whom I draw support. And I have it VERY easy compared to you as I do not deal with alzheimers--simply old age--which can in itself be exasperating when there is 12 years difference. But I am always impressed by your kindness and acceptance. Stay strong and thank you for sharing your life as it is.
I think there are a lot of similarities between caring for someone with Alzheimer's and caring for someone who needs help because they're old. The big difference, I think, is communication. At this point, it's very difficult for me to communicate anything to Bella and vice-versa.
And it must be very sad and disheartening. I have a friend whose husband has Parkinson's with Lewie Body dementia. I talk with her every week. She is always so discouraged and heartbroken. As I said, I have it easy. My husband does not require care taking--there is just a 12 year age difference--but I have to learn to be patient with him as he shows his age! You, I think, embody profound love.
I think of those as "moments", and show myself grace, and move on. Caring for someone with Alzheimers takes superhuman powers...not saying this from ego or to glorify. For me it is emotionally, physically, and spiritually challenging, at times exhausting, and thats ok.
Just a acknowledgement of your deep kindness and love--and the painful reality. I think of the cruelty of our now regime in our country, of Israel's blockade of food and humanitarian aid in Gaza, of Haiti (in its past history and its now reality) and of your individual pain and suffering. Your caring touches my heart, your honesty about the truth and reality, and your perseverance are helpful to my heart --which is also uplifted by this incredible life emerging from our good earth this spring)--they beauty of life, the survival of beings throughout history, the reality of goodness, and the need to affirm and hold what is good, kind, generous....and to resist tyranny and hate in all forms. And, on another note, your comments on literature are very well expressed...you are a literary critic as well as a loving husband. Thank you
I feel so much compassion, admiration and even love for you. Hope to meet you someday and give you a hug.
As for trans people, indeed many are suffering the fate of all who are considered “different” and let’s be honest it’s only accelerated since the beginning of the tRump regime.
This is my day with my mother as well. My mother has started sucking and biting the skin on her hand. Not breaking skin. I can see the new anxiety in her as the disease takes a turn. I can see the new anxiety in me.
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”- Dalai Lama
💕
we all need to practice Compassion and Kindness
So sad that we now live in a country where people cannot be free to be who they are.
On another note, take care of yourself on your life's journey with your love. So many share with you. My sister is across the country cared for by her daughter and I pray for her every day during her journey.
I second that.
I can only imagine how difficult this is.
As always, when I read about you and Bella, my heart breaks a little.
Yes, that about says it all.
I wish everyone had your patience and kindness. We would all be living in a better world.
...Graham Green writes, as you state it, about his "disillusionment with humanity," which, apparently, is a theme that, unfortunately, will never get old: which is no argument for surrendering and reason to surrender our humanity to those who are the reason for our own such disillusion. // Notwithstanding, I remain --to state it mildly-- profoundly disappointed that so many of our fellow countrymen, and countrywomen, voted (apparently) to put this sociopath back in office-- and, thus, to put us through the countless daily abominations this administration takes pleasure in inflicting upon the country and the world; such intentional inhumanity necessarily, and increasingly, weighs on one...
Yes they do
Your willingness to write so honestly and eloquently about caregiving is a gift. Thank you.
Will, your love, kindness and compassion for Bella inspire so many people who are also caregivers for families whose loved ones have Alzheimer’s.
Being there for her is so hard yet you do it every day, we all hope we have that person, continued strength
God Bless you Will. I lost 2 siblings this past winter due to this awful disease. My heart goes out to you and your family.
One of the first things that struck me when I started learning a little about Alzheimer's disease was how widespread it is. Yet I don't think we've really brought it into public life and acceptance, the way we have with cancer or diabetes. I think this has something to do with the effects of Alzheimer's, the way it attacks the brain and makes those it affects unable to advocate for themselves or others. And caregivers like me feel overwhelmed and put raising awareness and marching to raise money for research, etc. below getting the laundry and the shopping done and everything else we have to do to get through the day.
Will, my heart aches for you both. Your compassionate care of your bride, is a reflection of your character and compassion, both of which are in seemingly short supply these days.
Please show the same compassion for yourself as you go, you deserve it.
Yes. This. Your care for Bella is a reflection of the remarkable person you are.
You are a model of patience from whom I draw support. And I have it VERY easy compared to you as I do not deal with alzheimers--simply old age--which can in itself be exasperating when there is 12 years difference. But I am always impressed by your kindness and acceptance. Stay strong and thank you for sharing your life as it is.
I think there are a lot of similarities between caring for someone with Alzheimer's and caring for someone who needs help because they're old. The big difference, I think, is communication. At this point, it's very difficult for me to communicate anything to Bella and vice-versa.
And it must be very sad and disheartening. I have a friend whose husband has Parkinson's with Lewie Body dementia. I talk with her every week. She is always so discouraged and heartbroken. As I said, I have it easy. My husband does not require care taking--there is just a 12 year age difference--but I have to learn to be patient with him as he shows his age! You, I think, embody profound love.
It is very sad and disheartening and very often I do not embody love but frustration and irritation
That is of course only human.
I think of those as "moments", and show myself grace, and move on. Caring for someone with Alzheimers takes superhuman powers...not saying this from ego or to glorify. For me it is emotionally, physically, and spiritually challenging, at times exhausting, and thats ok.
Just a acknowledgement of your deep kindness and love--and the painful reality. I think of the cruelty of our now regime in our country, of Israel's blockade of food and humanitarian aid in Gaza, of Haiti (in its past history and its now reality) and of your individual pain and suffering. Your caring touches my heart, your honesty about the truth and reality, and your perseverance are helpful to my heart --which is also uplifted by this incredible life emerging from our good earth this spring)--they beauty of life, the survival of beings throughout history, the reality of goodness, and the need to affirm and hold what is good, kind, generous....and to resist tyranny and hate in all forms. And, on another note, your comments on literature are very well expressed...you are a literary critic as well as a loving husband. Thank you
Your sharing about your journey with Bella is helpful. Thank you.
Will,
I feel so much compassion, admiration and even love for you. Hope to meet you someday and give you a hug.
As for trans people, indeed many are suffering the fate of all who are considered “different” and let’s be honest it’s only accelerated since the beginning of the tRump regime.
Thanks Bob