I have felt compelled to share some thoughts concerning this caregiving journey I am now on. My husband Monte and I have had his father Jim living with us for a year and a half. He is 86 and suffers with dementia. I am learning so much every day. I am not writing this to be judged or critiqued. I do not profess to being a great writer. I believe this is a form a therapy for me. You are welcome to follow my musings, but do not feel obligated.
Changes-
September 2016 was an exciting time in life for Monte and I. We were truly Empty Nesters for the first time for an extended length of time. We had dreams of what this stage of life would bring. We quickly settled into the new normal. We had enjoyed the busy and noisy home that had been ours for over thirty years, but we were loving the time to ourselves.
March 2017 our daily life would once again change. We learned that Monte's stepmother had unexpectedly passed away. We knew that Jim would need to come and live with us. Jim could no longer live alone and he had few options available. I was not excited to have the man who had tried to ignore me for thirty years to come and live with us. I knew it was the right thing to do and I love my husband Reluctantly, I agreed to Jim moving in with us,
We were beginning the caregiving road. It is has been rough at times, but always an adventure. I have cried and laughed. Overall, I am learning so much. I am learning about myself, forgiveness,and aging with dignity.I will share some of my adventures, thoughts and learnings in this blog.
Changes-
September 2016 was an exciting time in life for Monte and I. We were truly Empty Nesters for the first time for an extended length of time. We had dreams of what this stage of life would bring. We quickly settled into the new normal. We had enjoyed the busy and noisy home that had been ours for over thirty years, but we were loving the time to ourselves.
March 2017 our daily life would once again change. We learned that Monte's stepmother had unexpectedly passed away. We knew that Jim would need to come and live with us. Jim could no longer live alone and he had few options available. I was not excited to have the man who had tried to ignore me for thirty years to come and live with us. I knew it was the right thing to do and I love my husband Reluctantly, I agreed to Jim moving in with us,
We were beginning the caregiving road. It is has been rough at times, but always an adventure. I have cried and laughed. Overall, I am learning so much. I am learning about myself, forgiveness,and aging with dignity.I will share some of my adventures, thoughts and learnings in this blog.
Cheryl, I am looking forward to this new adventure/therapy for you. Thank you for sharing your world, love, and power with Dad and us. I so truly appreciate all that you have done and are doing.
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