I Believe...

"LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WEATHERING THE STORM, ...IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN"

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

"JUST SAYING"

 Have you noticed nowadays how often we hear the phrase  'just saying'........     Well,  I'm just saying that moving forward on this  journey with Alzheimer's has taught me some good, sad and valuable life lessons.

I've learned  that prayers for us are felt so strongly by me and they help me through each day.

I've learned  (should have known this from the beginning)....God will never give me more than I can handle.  The first few years after David's diagnosis I  felt paralyzed with fear and sadness, but one step at a time  

I've learned as bad as its been at times, I've  never felt totally alone.

I'm learning to be more patient and slow down.   Stop and smell the roses!

I'm learning (trying) not to worry about tomorrow, next week or next year.   One day at a time. 

I've learned I can live in our home by myself  (the animals sure help) without being afraid.   I went from living at home with my mother to being married......

I've learned that family and friends are such a blessing.   I knew this anyway, but not to the extent that I know it now.

I've learned that most people are so dad blasted nice!!!   

I've learned it's not necessary to have a long conversation with someone whose experiencing health issues, death or sadness.    A hug, smile or just asking how they or their loved one is doing is sufficient.

I've learned that music makes me cry, but that's okay.....tears are healthy.

I've learned  that it hurts my heart when I feel David is forgotten or not ask about 
 .......

I've learned a walk with the dog helps when I'm feeling sad or depressed. 

I've learned that I love people I've never met in person.....thank you my faithful blog friends.

I've discovered who my true friends and family are......'just saying.'

Oh how I wish David didn't have this dreadful disease, but 'just saying'  there are some positives for me in spite of..........

David continues in a peaceful/stable condition and for that I'm thankful.

God is good!!! 

32 comments:

Susannah said...

And I have learned so much from you! What a stead fast and wonderful person you are! I'm sure things are not easy ...as a matter of fact...I am sure things are very hard. I am so glad I started to follow you years ago. You are an insprirtion to me. Even today as I read your inspiring post...I think about all the difficult roads you have traveled and today...you are seeing the best of everything.

Take care, my friend,
Susannah

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Oh sweetie, this disease has sure taught us a lot hasn't it? It stinks, we shouldn't have to learn things this way. To watch the one we married become a person we don't know. Angry I can't begin to tell you how angry I am with this nasty disease. It breaks my heart that Mr. P's kids don't come by let alone even call. He lives for company right now, as you said you sure learn who your friends are. We live a very "quiet" life around here, many days not a word spoken or the phone ringing. At least the antics of the dogs put a smile on our faces. I love you girl sure wish we lived closer to go through this process together. There is no support system here so floating alone in a boat is simply not fun. I'm glad to hear David is holding his own. I'm sending you tons of hugs and love. hugs ~lynne~

Helen said...

A great big AMEN and a HALLELUJAH!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh my sweet lady...thank you for all the lessons taught by you, I've learned so much, specially the love you have in you for dear David, the strength you have shown in such hardship living with this horrendous illness and to say the least, I've learned about this desease I didn't know about it totally, except for my mother's friend I don't really see...she visits her though, even if she doesn't remember her at all, they went to school together. I feel very close to you and feel I've known you and David for so long, as now I've been praying a lot for our Sil and I always include you and David. God bless darling and keep strong.
FABBY

judi/Gmj said...

yep, friends are a blessing, a guide and inspiration. Thanks for all the kind words you have left me. hugs

Vee said...

Oh this post is wonderful. Thank you for collecting your thoughts and sharing them. It gives one hope and we, your readers, are the richer for having known you and David (even in a cyber world). You and David are wonderful teachers. It blesses me so much that love never leaves us. Prayers and blessings...

Tomarie said...

I completely and totally love this! What a beautiful post!!
Love you!! L~

Nancy Carter, LCSW said...

I love this entry. All of your loved ones have seen you learn all these things, and we learned them right along with you! And David will never be forgotten; he made a bigger impact on my life than anyone can know. I don't know how to express it, except to say that something about him gave me hope. And I needed that. So I am blessed to have a lot of memories that were gracious and good. Love you and your children.

Debbie said...

I love all the things you said.
Debbie

H said...

Just sayin.....you have helped many in the blog-o-sphere by sharing your journey. You and David are daily in my family's prayers.

I am thankful that he continues to be at peace. I pray you continue to feel the love and support we send.

Heather

Unknown said...

Dolores,

That is a fabulous list of thing you have learned through this adversity.

I was in the kitchen last night and I have mustered up so much energy lately working on the house for the baby shower. I am expecting 60 people. As I stood in the kitchen I reviewed some accomplishments this week. You know when my husband was normal, I couldn't do half of the things I can do now. It make me think how as he gets weaker, I get stronger.

God is good and through this terrible adversity, Faith is all there is to hold onto.

I am glad that he is peaceful. I am happy to think of you at home in a peaceful house being able to be peaceful too.

Thank you for being you...just sayin

Karen

Carol Noren Johnson said...

Wonderful lessons but hard learning. Your pets are wonderful. I am so pleased to be your blogging friend/fellow traveler in this journey. Thanks for also writing on my blog with my journey with my husband's Alzheimer's. The bearing of one another's burdens is so special.

Hugs and prayers,
Carol

Moments of Grace said...

My sweet friend,

How touched I am by your words. Your openness and candidness in sharing your journey is such an inspiration. I am so blessed by your posts and your lovely, sweet photos.

I pray daily for you and your beloved. I know these are difficult times and I cannot begin to imagine how painful it can be. I do know that you are loved and revered by those who journey with you and follow each post. May God encourage and strengthen you and above all, give you peace in Him.

In Grace,
Marie

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I thiught I had left a comment this afternoon. I am so happy that you can see the good parts of this experience. My BIL, who cared for my FIL did too. He was always positive. God blesses you caretakers and spuces with loving support. XO, Pinky

Judi said...

I think that you are a very brave, walking with God woman. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

Judi

Jenny's Place Online said...

May the roses always be in bloom! Jenny

Donna said...

Just saying...David is SO Blessed to have the family that he has...You all are Amazing!
Sending lots of love and prayer to you all!!
((((HUG))))

Gilda Spitz said...

This is one of the most beautiful, poetic, and heart-felt posts I have ever read. Dolores, you have the heart of a philosopher. It is a privilege to support you on this sad journey. Stay strong and positive, my friend.

Gilda

KathyB. said...

Thank-you for "just saying". You have shared the journey with Alzheimers' so openly & honestly, a true blessing for many you might not know, but who read your posts and say to themselves"I am not alone in this ".

Rebecca Nelson said...

Beautiful heartfelt post.

Precious thoughts and prayers are sent to you. Praying for mercy, strength and a tad bit more of that unmerited favor (grace) God always provides.

Love, Rebecca

Jen said...

Reading this post was good for me. To step back and just think about this stage of my life.

Keep well,

Jeannette

very_inky_fingers said...

I just love this post.. just saying!

romance-of-roses said...

Dolores,
Don't worry about tomorrow for God is already there. Blessings...Lu

Kathy Knowles said...

Dear Delores,
I'm not able to sleep tonight for some reason, and I am reading about all these things you are thankful for. I am thankful for you finding me in the blog world and the Alzheimer's world. We've never met and may not until we're in Heaven, but I feel you are a kindred spirit. Your faith is strong, and I don't know how anyone makes it through this without that faith. God provided these faithful family and friends who bolster us and walk with us and cry with us. I needed to read about the blessings of caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease, and I needed to read that crying is healthy. I tend to feel that it's a sign of my weakness when I'm really very strong. You are a blessing to David and to so many. I love you, my unmet friend, and I appreciate that you always take time during the insanity of caregiving to write me a brief note of encouragement. God is good, indeed.
kathy

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Just poppin' over to say hello, I hope you're having a good weekend.
hugs ~lynne~

Betty said...

What a great post.

I've learned a lot of those things too in recent times. I tell myself all the time to stay in the moment and experience what is. I have to stop myself from rushing ahead with all the "what ifs." I try not to drive myself crazy. Life is a great teacher.

I'm glad David is in a peaceful/stable condition.

Love your pictures!!

Happy@Home said...

A beautifully written, heartfelt post, Dolores. The manner in which you share your lessons with us is a blessing to so many. Just sayin'...

FrancieKrienitz said...

I love the collage at the top!! Your so blessed to have so many people surrounding you throughout this. If you're not busy on my birthday, I believe we are going to be at the ranch if you would like to maybe go to lunch or dinner or something! Shoot me an email or facebook message letting me know if your free! :) Love you bunches!

Shelley said...

My dear woman - your strength, your faith, your positiveness, each of these in you causes me to question my own. God is truly working through you. He is in control and sometimes we forget that, but not you. God luv you and continue to bless you with your kind heart, your loving spirit. I wish I were more like you.

Tracy said...

Thinking of you today and sending up a special prayer.

Deb said...

it is funny my hubby and I were just talking about "Just saying" what a popular phrase that is nowdays...I'm so proud of how well you are doing when some people would just fall apart...you have such a positive attitude "Just saying"

Unknown said...

You are so loved! Just saying!

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