Okay, call me crazy but I started online classed this week toward my master's degree in speech. And I am working full time. And taking care of B.
But here's the thing...I had to do something for me. Something that shows that I have faith in the future...sort of a nose-thumb at my Enemy Alzheimer.
Well done, Shoegirl! We can keep up with each other. I just started an online program for my Masters in Teaching this very week. I figure that at this point, I'm kind of grounded to the house most of the time, but DH isn't so far along that he needs me full time doing and fussing for him. I still work during the day and now I have something to focus on at night besides the five million versions of CSI with him. I'm very excited about it all. It feels like something I can do for me without taking too much away from him.
Go for it gals! I got my MA while working full-time w/ 3 kids and a functioning husband when I was young. The thought of doing anything like that now w/no kids at home except a VasDem husband tires me. AND thinking of your doing it while working full-time and dealing w/dh dementia tires me, too:) You can do it!
Great Shoegirl & LIz! I went back and got my MBA and just graduated last June. I also worked fulltime at a demanding job. I did not go online. I live near a university and went to the partime evening MBA program. It was really good for me. I enjoyed the stimulation and meeting new people. I, like you, am young. We have to keep looking forward and living our lives. I also looked at getting an MBA as a sort of insurance since we do not have LTC insurance. I have to say it was tough and I did not get alot of sleep. Now that I finished it, I look back and really don't know how I did it. I think the people and the learning really boosted my energy. Also, a great friend would spend an evening each week with my DH so he would not get so lonely plus the neighbor across the street would visit him. That eased my mind tremendously.
It also filled the void that is apparent on some of the other threads. The desire to have stimulating conversation, filling that loneliness that is evident in whether to seek out another "love' relationship and boosted my self esteem.
Wow! Thanks for the support! Yes Liz we can encourage each other.
Not sure where I get the energy...I think it's a combination of stubborness and determination with a pinch of denial as to what my limitations might be.
Something else I just thought of...when B. was well(back in the day), he never would've agreed to me taking out the big student loan that I needed. And I probably would've let it go.
But since B.'s illness, I am much stronger and much more willing to go for what I want.
I'm so impressed! Best of luck to all of you who are doing and have done that. I started college when I was 45, 3 teenagers at home. A special needs child and working full time. Why did I do it? At the time, DH and I weren't getting along all that well and I had this niggling feeling that I'd better get an education because there was a good chance I might need a good paying job to support myself. I thought we might get a divorce. And, I also recall thinking if he wanted one, I wouldn't argue. I'd just go ahead with it. I was so tired. At that time I had the full care of our son. Now I have the full care of DH. I guess I'm getting pretty good at it.
Duh. How did I do it? I have no idea. I just know I did it and was always happy that I did it. We didn't divorce. I had a great councelor who told me to stand up for myself and not be a doormat. I thought that was a pretty crass way to put it, but it was true. So, I did. And, it worked.
Just go for it. You need it. You deserve it!. And, if you need to take out a big student loan, perhaps it's better than taking out a loan for a new car or a motorcycle or some other toy. I'm on a real roll here. Better stop now.
I try to do something for myself every day. I'm not in the mood to go back to school so I'm not doing that, but doing something that will continue into the AFTER period makes total sense to me. It is part of choosing life to begin something that will continue.