I'm staring at this computer, trying to think of something to say that's worth reading.
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
Washington Irving
Washington Irving
David is definitely 'moving forward with Alzheimer's'.... he's still on the same medications, but the disease continues to take it's toll on his brain (a brilliant brain....before). I know he won't go into remission or be cured of Alzheimer's.......that doesn't happen. But I can still dream......
David continues listening to his classic country music channel on TV, with one hand up and the other hand clapping his leg.
Nothing is predicable anymore. One minute he knows how to find the bathroom, the next time he's completely lost.
Last weekend our friends came over, and we had an end of the season swim, David still enjoying the big pink ball.
Even though it's still hot during the day, the nights are cool, and now the water is too cool for our wimpy bodies.
We've lived here 4 years this month. Look at the difference in the yard. So many changes in the yard and our life, but life is still good...... we are blessed!
I've always had trouble asking anyone for help. I'd rather do things for myself, rather than ask for help, but I'm changing. I feel so blessed to have people in my life to call when I need them.
Friends are such a blessing!
Yesterday I woke up with a full blown pain in (not the butt) a tooth. I needed to go to an Endodontist for a 'root canal.' Our sweet neighbor came and sat with David for almost 4 hours.
The root canal wasn't successful, so I go back again for a little surgery to take care of the problem next week. I can't take David with me, and I can't leave him home alone. I thank God for the angel's in our life!
33 comments:
What a cute picture!
I know what you mean about finding the bathroom. I'd find Nan trying to go into the hall closet. The bathroom was across the hall. The cellar stairs right beside the closet, which we kept locked at all times. Scary thought.
What good friends you have! You certainly need them when you must tend to your needs. A hurting tooth doesn't wait. Hope that you are feeling a lot better even though the rc didn't work out. (They never do for me.)
You chose a good preposition when you settled on "through."
Many blessings to you both this week.
I rejoice with you that you had that dental surgery, and I weep with you for David. Alzheimer's moves forward but keep that upward look to our Caregiver in heaven and know you are loved and prayed for.
Hugs from another ALZ caregiver who always cherishes your wisdom and journey,
Carol
you can't do it all...take your friends and family up on their offers...David wouldn't want you to wear yourself out...you are a dedicated wife...he knows that in his heart...even if his brain doesn't...hope the tooth is better soon...
Adding the quote below the picture makes the picture all the more sweet. So many of us fight to keep our tears hidden. They make us human. They show others that they are loved and needed. Thank you for letting us "see" your tears.
Beckie in Brentwood, TN
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You are a blessing to me and so many other people who are struggling with various challenges. May God richly bless you and David and all of your family with His presence and grace.
Dolores, my heart breaks for you and for myself. Dementia steals a couple's life away from them. We live in the same house, drive the same car, but nothing in our lives is the same. Jim's dementia continues to worsen also. He is seeing people at night...I am hoping this will pass and also for a good night's rest tonight.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hey Dolores...
I'm sorry you have tears for what has been lost. It's a terrible part of the disease for the caregiver. My heart hurts for you. And certainly tears are okay.
I'm glad you have good friends and neighbors to help you out with David. I hope you're still getting out for some time away. Please know that many of us out here in blogland know what you're going through. And we care.
You are so beautiful, Dolores, and it is always so nice to see you and David so happy. I hope your tooth is ok now. It's miserable to have a toothache. You are so fortunate to have good friends around you.....Christine
I hope you are not suffering too badly and you have some pain relief. With David's needs (always now-a-days) you don't have the luxury of time off except when your sweet friends & family are there for you. I wonder, is this even harder for you when you need help?
Dolores, even when you are in despair and pain, you still show your tender side and love for David.I think there are many living with family suffering the effects of Alzheimers who will gain encouragement from you because you don't sugar-coat things, but say them as they are, then leave off your posts with thanksgiving anyway.
I discovered your blog after reading Pondside's happy news this morning. What a journey you have been on with your husband. Thank goodness you have the support of your wonderful friends and of course, family. The photo of your daughter dancing with her father touched my heart.
Oh Delores!
I Know that pain...have experienced it once or twice! NO fun...
Hope you get some relief next week!
Y'all have done Wonders with the pool area! Beautiful place for David to get some exercise...
Friends...Don't know where we'd be without them!
(((HUG)))
Thanks so much for sharing your tears and your love for David. This journey you are on is a truly rough and ugly road, there is a lot of pain...I am glad to see that you have angels on the path.
Sigh.
Friends are a bonus in times like this.
you remain my guide, showing me how to hold on to the good and breath.
Beautiful yard and garden you have created.
I empathize with the tooth pain.. I had one of those "wake up calls".
I may be 2500 miles away but feel my hug? love and prayers, Judi
So sorry to hear about the root canal, Dolores, but glad that you were able to get help to look after David while you wisely took care of yourself.
Under these stressful circumstances, I'm relieved to hear that you are finding the strength to ask for help when you need it. Although we've never met, I feel that I know you, and I know that you are realistic enough to be aware that you will need that help more and more in the coming months. I think of you often and wish you the very best.
Love
Gilda
I thank GOD with you that you do have people to help you, that is a true blessings. I pray that GOD will give you strength in so many ways and for so many reasons.
OUCH on the tooth! I have had broken bones that hurt less than a painful tooth. I hope you are not in any pain and on the next trip he will fix it so you don't have to return.
GOD bless and keep you all and send you peace in your spirit.
It's always something, isn't it? Darned teeth!!
I'm so glad David continues to be entertained by the classic country station - it makes the other times bearable. I hope that you've scheduled your dentist appointment on one of your "not off" days so you don't lose your "off" time.
Friends are a wonderful thing to have around, aren't they? Someday, I'll take you to lunch. I WILL get to Texas!!
love,
barbara
Dolores, I, too, am so grateful that you do ahve some angels in your life. Being a caretaker of soomeone with Altzheimers is a TOUGH job, that noone can understand unless they ahve done that. I pray that God gives you the strength and courage to get through this. I hope your tooth will be OK soon. XOXO, Pinky
Beautiful post as always Miss D. Honest and real. Today I felt incredibly sorry for myself because my man is studying so much and away from me emotionally for hours. Tonight I'm thankful that he CAN and DOES come back to me.
Thinking of you with love.
xo~Rebecca
Glad to hear you have some lovely friends nearby. Good luck with the tooth! Jenny
There are good people in our lives, you know. God places them there!! Many many hugs and kisses to you, Dolores. I think of you often during my days in the studio, as well as visiting mom. xoxoxoxoxoxox
Oh i am so sorry to hear about your teeth! And that you have to go back! NOT fun! And you know that if we would live any closer i would love to sit with David...
Since we are not, just know that i am thinking about you and sending good thoughts (maybe that helps a little bit too) and i LOVED the quote!
Leontien
Hi Sweetie, I'm sorry you had to have your tooth worked on, hope the pain is better. Thank goodness you have great friends to help, I tried that yesterday to no avail. Mr. P had fallen on Sunday evening, was a struggle but I got him up, the fall really jarred him he was a total mess yesterday and not real well today.. I continue to pray for you and David... hugs ~lynne~
Oh Dolores, as they say here in the south, "bless your heart". On top of everything I know you don't want or need these painful tooth problems. I hope they get you all fixed up this week.
Your first picture is so sweet. I can't tell you how much I wish David didn't have to move forward. So sad about having trouble finding the bathroom. I remember when that happened to my mom and it broke my heart.
I'm glad you are finding it a bit easier to ask your friends for help. I know it's hard to do, but often friends really do want to do something to help and are happy to be able to do so.
I'm sending you and David an extra big hug today,
Kim
Hi Dolores - just checking in on you and David today to say hi, and I hope it's a good for both of you. Think I'll send up a little arrow prayer right now...
Dolores, we are never alone, if God can't be with us cause he is busy, he sends angels to help us till he is available again. My son wants me to get help cleaning and such but I just don't like anyone doing my chores, I like to do everything myself, however, later on might have to give in. Time will tell. I send you blessings and prayers dear friend. Hugs...Lu
I love the first picture of you two getting ready to kiss . It is priceless. And the pool is wonderful. It sure looks differant . I hope your tooth is fixed soon. I have decided to have them pulled from now on instead of fixed. Last time they filled it and the pain came back . Worse then before. So should of had it pulled. I think I will go with inplants if I need dentures. I just can't see myself taking care of dentures. But hopefully it will be awhile before than. I wish Alz's would stop getting worse and get better or stay the same for awhile in a good stage. I am so sorry. Glad you have wonderful helpers. Thinking of you always.
Dolores, Hope you are feeling much better now from that tooth that was in trouble. My prayers are with you. Blessings...Lu
Hi ya cutie, hope you're having a great w/k. Ours is cool and damp, perfect soup weather, and decorating for fall inside. :-))
Hope your tooth isn't dealing you a fit any longer.. sending lots of love and hugs ~lynne~
I'm always encouraged when I read your posts because you choose to open your eyes to God's blessings rather than concentrate on only the sad times. That is a grace of God! Bless you Dolores!
Just thinking of you tonight, sweet friend. Praying you Sonshine this week. Love from Iowa.
Hi ya cutie, hope this finds you having a great day your way. Hope you got the rain out of the thunder. Today is a pacing day around here, Mr. P is restless as all get out... another day of what if's... hugs ~lynne~
It must be great to have a swimming pool. I live near the beach so I don't really need one. Glad to see David's enjoying himself.
What an inspiration to find you a nd your encouraging blog.
My mom is just entering early stages of memory loss.
Your words will be such a comfort to me. I'm going to read them all!!
Shirley from Virginia
thelittlegraycottage.blogspot.com
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