This week was David's 'first time' in the pool for the year..... the water is still cold, so he didn't stay in very long.... but it was a first. Casey can't believe he jumped in.........
Shortly after David was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he ask our children to promise they would make sure that I would take care of myself, and not be tied down with him. Also, when the time came, if he needed to be in a care facility, he made them promise they would see that it was done. I've always been a caretaker, and he knows/knew me well....
Monday will be the first time I have someone coming to stay with David for the day. I will go with my Garden Club to Fredericksburg,TX, for lunch, shopping and looking at gardens. I know I need to do this, and I'm looking forward to it, but I'm also worried about being gone all day.
Again, it's 'the first'.......and first times are usually difficult.
The lady who will stay with David, was our housekeeper for several years when we lived in our big house. She also sat with David's dad when he was showing signs of Alzheimer's at 89 years old, 6 years ago. David likes her, so this is a plus....
Right now...this evening, we're going to sit on the patio and watch the kittens play....
20 comments:
Oh dear ... there's that adorable kitten again!!!! If you feel up to it, join Shelia's (Note Songs) bathroom diva photo party ~ it's going to be a hoot!
I am thrilled to know you are going to have an adventure ~ thrilled and excited for you! David will be just fine, promise.
I am so glad your getting out! yes dear friend you do need to do that for yourself.It is a plus that David is in good hands.
My hubby and I took a break tonight ourselves, we went out for supper at a restaurant together alone, its been forever since we did that,MIL was taken care of and it was good for us too to reconnect.
Happy Mother's Day !!
Diane
Good for you and good for David. Don't panic, don't all home every hour. Trust David and his helper. Have a good time!
I can hear in your voice how hard this will be for you to leave David, even as you know all will be well and that you need this time away.
I pray everything goes well at home and that you return refreshed and recharged and ready to venture out again, when the opportunity comes. :)
Dolores, you have a loving caring man there that is still putting YOU first. He planned for not only his future, but for yours. He's a dear.
Yes, you DO need to get out. Do NOT feel guilty. You have to feel normal sometimes. Enjoy your time away - David's in good hands with someone he knows and trusts. May God be with you both in this new venture, and bless you with many more.
I know what you're saying about him having trouble concentrating. MIL used to work crossword puzzles and watch TV programs, but she can't do the puzzles anymore, and she can't follow the programs. Sometimes she just sits. She's happy to see us and I sometimes wonder if she realizes the passage of time...
Have a good time, Dolores!
LOL! Papa is a smart xxx! When I am gone I call him every hour. Have a good time, NO GUILT.. you hear me??
hugs and prayers.
It will take quite a while to get used to, but at least David will be with someone from his past, and not a stranger. Enjoy your outing, Jenny
Swimming in the pool, watching kittens play, a lovely way to spend time with the husband you love, the husband who loves you, and still knows he loves you~ priceless blessings.
Hi Dolores, I am so glad you are going on an outing. It should be fun. And don't worry about David. He will be in good hands. Isn't he thoughtful, thinking of you before he got sick? That just shows what a kind person he really is. How refreshing to see him in your beautiful pool! We have been swimming too and the water feels nice here....Christine
Dolores, I'm so thrilled that you are planning to get out! You need refreshed for yourself and for David. If it doesn't go as well as you want, don't give up. Try again. I'm struck that David is able to express his feelings about the progress of the disease. My mother was always in denial. So sad.
dolores, i was so touched by your "firsts" post i read it to my honey. to make sure you didn't get overwhelmed or lost....what an incredible man david is....and how deep his love for you is.
kittens are always fun to watch.
<3 and happy mother's day too.
I hope if such things ever befall me that I will face them with the grace and dignity you have shown.
Happy Mother's Day and may the light of God's love continue to shine on you and your beautiful family.
xoRebecca
David will be just fine and I'm sure he understands you need a day "off" - the first time left Wayne, I tried to be very matter of fact, hugged him and said when I'd be home - was pleasantly surprised to hear he didn't protest at all. Enjoy, enjoy!
Hi Dolores,
Another cute picture of David and Casey.
I'm so glad to hear that you are going to be able to get away for a nice day out. While I can understand that the first time might be a little hard, it sounds like David will be in good hands. I hope this will be the beginning of a new chapter in your journey and you will be able to get away from time to time. It is so important for the caretaker to take care of herself and obviously David would agree.
Enjoy your outing and your Mother's Day too.
Hugs,
Kim
Just popping over to say I think the trip is just what you need! I Love Fredericksberg and it's a nice time to go...Not Hot!lolol
Happy Mother's Day to you Sweetheart...and here's a Big hug to you from me...
((((HUG))))
Donna
Happy Mother's Day Aunt D!
I know it will be difficult for you to leave tomorrow...but remember, nothing is worse than the "dread" of worrying about something. I'm so glad you're doing it...and what a blessing that Uncle David already likes her and feels comfortable around her.
Love the pic of him in the pool...and all you animals!
Love you very much!!!! L~
I think it is totally normal to be nervous about being away. You definitely deserve it and I hope you will be able to enjoy yourself. I bet David will have a great time with his friend!
Karla
What love he has for you, to care about your well-being in spite of his health. Very touching. My cousin lives in Fredricksburg... Glad David knows and likes the lady who will stay with him. Over a year ago, I was going to go in and stay for a few hours during the day with a man who had Alzheimers. He really did not know me, and was very angry about an 'intruder' in his home. I backed out of the arrangement--felt bad about doing it, but it just was not going to work. I hope you have a great day with your friends and can enjoy it without feeling too bad. Hope all goes well with the caretaker and David.
David looks like he is having a great time in the pool and the kittens are so cute.
Hope you had a wonderful day out. Don't worry David will be fine. And you need the time away. It will be good for you . Have fun and don't worry. I know that won't be easy but try. I love your new profile picture.
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