I've hoped the decline was the weather, but the bottom line, decline is to be expected with Alzheimers.
I try my best to keep a positive attitude, but truthfully it sure is hard right now. I hope this too shall pass.....
I remember in 2005 after the Alzheimer's diagnosis, I prayed for life to feel normal again. I didn't think it was possible, but it did slowly evolve, and our life did slowly begin to feel normal...a new normal. Now....I'm praying for another feeling of a new normal, whatever that is.
On the brighter side..... I'm so thankful for Casey and Crissy, and our outside cat, Lovey.
32 comments:
Sweet friend...
I'm bearing your burden for you today and I'm lifting you up to the Father...
Tonight I prayed specifically for peace to come over you and for you to without a shadow of a doubt that the very struggle you are facing is helping give other, like me and my hubby, hope and strength to press on.
I know if you can face all you are facing with you beloved then I can with my father...and my hubby can with his father.
"In the midst of it all I will stand AND NOT FALL and Bless His Name!"
Bless you.
xoRebecca
Our animals are so precious at times like this. I'm happy that you have them and that they are a comfort to you. At 17, your kitty may need to have a good check-up at the vet to see how things are with her. They change a lot when they reach old age and she may need a new diet. Sounds like she is liking that chicken, though. Stay strong. Thinking of you and hoping things level out soon for you and Davide. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5
Your dog is looking for his new normal also! Such a cute picture.
I am sad to read that another stage has come to David since the 2005 diagnosis. I cherish your friendship even though we have yet to meet in person. You teach me to cherish the good days I have with my husband.
Hugs,
Carol
Hi Dolores,
I have been thinking about you and David a lot since your last post. I had been hoping that things were getting better and am sorry to hear that that isn't the case. I do remember periodically establishing the new normal with my mom. It's not always an easy adjustment. I keep you both in my prayers.
Your photo of Crissy and Casey is precious.
Hugs,
Kim
Good morning Dolores, I sent you an email. His mercies are new each morning, we shall take a deep breath and carry on right? Sending you a big hug! I understand.
Awwh, Casey sure is a love...I mean if Crissy gets treats than Casey thinks he could have some too! Love it.
I am so glad you have such wonderful pets to comfort you and put a smile on your face. I know there may not be many of those around your house, these days. I hope and pray you find some peace and happiness in some of the small things to help you through your day.
Crissy and Casey are adorable! Your animal shots are beautifully done Delores!
Wishing you and David a Bright Day today!!! You know what I wish for you and how useless I am at getting it for you...so...Sending you lots 'a Love, Hope and prayer...
hughughughughugs
Chrissy looks like a big white ball in this picture!! Animals are truly a blessing!!!
...by the way...it's ok to go outside and kick the garbage can a few times...just don't break a toe or anything...and giggle about being able to "vent" your frustration on the poor garbage can. It doesn't help anyone but you and I've done it a lot of times...or throw dishes...that one is really good...pitch a few...if you're like me, you've got too many...it's exhilarating ... just make sure no one catches you!!!
Yep...I found out when my hubby was sick...lots of things had to be done to keep my sanity....
Remember we're praying for your strength!!!
I am so sorry for the decline. I know that I gave up on mom to soon and let her forget a lot of things sooner then she would of if I kept after her. When she started staying in bed all night instead of getting up to go to the restroom. I welcomed getting to sleep all night. But She also stopped staying dry and we had to start putting diapers on her. When she stopped getting up so much and just sit more and more I welcomed the fact that I was not having to get up and walk with her to keep her from falling.
What I should of done was made her get out of bed to go to the bathroom and get up out of that chair and move around. You are such a better caregiver than me. You have not given up on David. He is so blessed to have you. and if you can keep him moving.
I am sorry that you are both going through this. As I watch my mother in her declining years go through many of the frustrations that you and your husband are experiencing, I try very hard to also focus on the positive. The health of my children and of myself and the overall health of my own beloved mother. It is so very hard to watch your loved one lose themselves and the 'who they once were' and knowing where things are going. Its one day at a time. I pray and hope you feel the peace and acceptance of your new norm.
so sorry your having a rough time...just remember he loves you...and you are a wonderful person to take such good care of him....remember to take care of yourself also....
Hi Dolores. I'm so sorry you're feeling so low as David's disease progresses to a new level. It's so frustrating and so depressing. I loved Thoughtfully Blended Hearts' comment about kicking the trashcan! A little screaming and crying wouldn't hurt either. Your frustration has to come out, my friend. You'll burst if you hold it in. I'm sure you've got some good friends that you can vent with - I know you do here in blogland! All kidding aside, I hurt for you, as I know all these sweet ladies here do, too. I'm glad you've got your kitty and puppy there to provide some fun and entertainment and sloppy kisses! Hope your Crissy fares well! Your photo is so cute! And your home is so lovely. I'm lifting you and David up, Dolores, to find a new normal. Are you still able to get out during the week? I hope so...
It is true that we put on a brave face most of the time and somehow that holds things together for everyone else. When I am up to my ears in braveface I get into my parked car and scream my head off. I tell myself that only God can hear in this specialized prayer place reserved for me and God on screaming days. Warning:this doesn't work while driving.
Oh Dolores, I'm sorry. Try to keep in mind that even though David is declining, he is still David and he still loves you as much as ever. Try to see the positive things as well as the other stuff and focus on that.
I'm here if you need me.
xx
barbara
Thinking of you and David during this rough patch. It is never easy, but know many are here for you to help carry the load when you share with us the changes. Goodness gracious, we've never "met" but I hurt for you, having been there myself with my mother. Please know you are not alone.
Nancy
We know it's coming, and we never ever will be ready for the next step in this hateful disease. Know you are not alone in this, you are my inspiration. You lead the way I will have to follow. Thank you for all you do to make it easier for us.
hugs and prayers. Judi
Were never prepared are we.... I meet a friend who's mother has it now and she knows placing her is unavoidable as she cannot care for her she is not well herself.So much sadness for so many.
Just know you have a lot of people in your corner praying and wishing for yours and David's happiness and well being.
I have said it since John passed away 5 months ago.... one day at a time... that's how I cope.
Take care of yourself.
Diane
Keeping you and David in my thoughts and prayers. I so admire your strength. I don't know if I could be as resilient as you! YOu are quite an inspiration. XO, Pinky
Can only send love and say, "I understand."
Hugs, Jenny
Truly this is an awful disease, no way around that. I'm sorry to hear David has declined. It is so hard to see our loved ones go through this.
Hugs,
Karla
MY thoughts and prayers are with you daily. I feel as tho I know you and check on you folks daily!
Thank goodness for our pets, around here they are my mainstay. I often feel like I'm going through this alone, it can be such a lonely time in our lives. Mr. P has leveled out for now, has his days and moments. I'm sorry to hear that David is declining. My thoughts and prayers are with you darling. hugs ~lynne~
Thinking and praying for you my friend. HUGS (save a few for when you need some more). I admire your strength. God bless and hold you, uplift and strengthen you.
Your posts always stir my heart and emotions. I can't imagine what you are facing but I find hope knowing that you are not facing it alone. The little lady I am caring for often says (concerning the uncertainty of the future) "He" goes before me... I love thinking about that.. Jesus goes before me.. He is omnipresent.. He is here right now yet He is also in my future. He has gone before me... and you ... and your dear husband. And because of this we can KNOW He is preparing us today for what we face tomorrow. He is our only yet greatest hope.
I am so sorry to hear that David is declining but just like you, I am hoping it is temporary. your kitty and dog are so adorable. I hope Crissy gets better....Christine
I am so touched by all the beautiful comments here. So many love you and are praying for you...as am I.
Love you very very much!!!!! Laura
I came via a blog. I just wanted to say I will lift you and your family up to the lord and may he give you peace and grace. We to had this disease in the family.
Try Gerber or some other brand of baby food, Veal or Beef. I found my cats when they got older and did not want to eat, liked baby veal the best. I also steamed fresh salmon and mashed it up.
Will keep you in my prayers.
I feel your pain, your anxiousness, the wondering what's next. I wish I lived closer so I could help you out. But, just know that you are in my prayers every day. I stay awake some during the night now and one night recently I had you on my mind and wondering if David and you were getting to rest. I hope so. Much love and lots of hugs
Latane
Hi Dolores - I was just thinking of you and David and wondering how this weather is treating y'all. I know you were thinking that it might be weather-related as to his decline...
I know it's probably cold whether you're getting snow or ice, but staying inside is a must right now. Hope the cabin fever doesn't hit! Take care!
Hi sweet friend, hope this finds you all doing well. We've been hammered again with snow. The driveway fairy still hasn't come so going to be at least another full day of being stuck inside. With the windchills below zero, the best place to be..lol
hugs ~lynne~
sweet dolores, the Lord never denies reality and truth, and the truth is: sometimes this life is hard and challenging on many levels. you've got us praying for you and your family.
((((hugs))))
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