Last nite when I was helping Claude get ready for bed, we were standing in front of the mirror. Jokingly, I mentioned to him that he hadn't noticed my new haircut. He told me yes he had noticed. I said when. He looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes and his old lopsided grin, and said "I just did". He then gave me a hug, got in bed and went to sleep. This morning, he was back into the todldler stage.
I went into the bathroom, closed the door and bawled my eyes out. It doesn't sound like much putting it down here, but it brought back so many memories and the reason I fell in love and married him 38 years ago.
We've been fighting this horrible disease for 6 years and the end is coming soon. I am so thankful Hospice is here to help as I was getting so overwhelmed with being a 24/7 caregiver, and with my own health problems, I felt like I was about ready to break into a thousand pieces.
It's okay to cry, and yes, it does sound like "much" to those of us who understand. When a glimpse of the person you fell in love with comes back for even a few minutes, it hurts to remember the loss. That's the way it is with AD, and every spouse here empathizes.
Redbud (Mary), I know exactly what you mean. It happens every few days that we see a glimpse of that spark of our husband, and then he's back to a toddler. The roller coaster is so emotional. I am feeling the same way you do. Tonight he slipped trying to get out of the bathtub (he wasn't hurt, thank goodness) but it means that he'll take showers only from now on.
At Lowe's, they have a hand-hold gadget that slips over your tub and anchors easy to the tub. It is a great help for getting in and out of the tub, or tub/shower. I have trouble getting out of the tub and this makes it easier.
Lois, his arm strength is what gave way. Twice. We have one that is about 12 inches above the tub and it wasn't enough for him. Would the hand'hold gadget be higher up?
DH was getting so shakey in the tub for his shower that I had two grab bars installed. They are the right height for him to hang onto. They are very helpful and I'm so glad they are installed.