This past two weeks have seen me on the biggest emotional and stressful period so far. With both computers crashing, issues with my grandson and daughter (who are living with me and helping me with my husband), having the exterior trim of the house painted and the disruption that has caused (and should have been an easy one day project - and has turned into three days so far!), a car getting a "check engine" light come on and a trip to our mechanic and $227 for repairs, and I was getting ready for work and my husband got sick and I didn't know if it was a virus or another stroke - then I came here and found I was among those resented - it was too much. It was literally the straw that broke the camel's back for me. Normally I could have just fluffed it off, but I had no more of my "rope" to hang on to.
This site has helped me keep my sanity. It has helped me learned how to take care of my husband at home. It has taught me what symptoms to look for and how to treat it. It has taught me when to begin making changes in his care. It has made me a very good caregiver. I could not be where I am without Joan's place.
In the years I have been here, I have developed very close friends, and some have become like family. I love everyone here. I NEED all of you as I need air to breathe. I have no one else I can talk to about what goes on in my house except my family here.
At no time did I try to leave anyone out of anything. There are some subjects of which I have no knowledge and therefore nothing to contribute. Also, during the day, I work and only have time to check in for a couple of minutes here and there. (This week I didn't have very much free time at all.)
I was raised that "if you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all" and have tried to live by it. If I get upset, I clam up. You can't take back words. So I've stayed away until now. Joan may add this to one of the other posts, but I wanted to put it by itself as a start of a healing site. I love everyone here and wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone or leave anyone out of anything. I hope that if I have inadvertently done something or not done something, it will be forgiven and we can start over.
By the way, my husband had a bad 24 hour virus, and not a UTI or stroke. Yesterday he was back to his "normal". The exterior trim still isn't finished; my fellow caregivers have calmed down; and both computers are up and running!
Now all I have to deal with is Alzheimer's and out of state company coming Thursday for the weekend!
All of that and still having out of state company!!! You are a stronger person than I am and I wish you good luck. I don't know where you live but today we have beautiful sunshining and I am basking in the good weather. Hope the sun is shining there too!!!
Mary, I'm sure you remember, a few weeks ago someone, maybe our dear divvi, reached out a hand and started what turned out to be a long chain of friendship and caring. It went on for days. I extend both my hands now in the hope that all of us, posters and lurkers, can once again grab hold of each other and hang on.
Thank you for your post Mary. it has indeed been a week from hell for alot of us. your message is well taken. none of us who visit the forum could stay away for long, we literally live and breathe thru this site and gain strength from friends who care. hope your week is better and you gain some peace. Divvi
I'm taking your hand divvi - I miss you so much. Please, when you feel like it, share the problems. I went back and looked up when we all jumped ship the other night, and I couldn't see that anything could have been implied that we were mad; we were just taking a *24 hour* breather (which we really didn't all adhere to!)
briegull, I read all those posts and it was all just a misunderstanding. Everybody still loves everybody and divvi, I want to take your hand too. By the way, Susan L and several others need you right now. I knew you'd been here for them. Love and hugs.
Any extra hands for here?? I am totally exhausted today and in tears. I think he slept about 45 minutes total all night last night and has been WIRED for some reason today. I am at my wits end!
decblu-its a terrible day when you are up all nite and no naps during the following day. it catches up with you and you crash. do you have something you can give for sleep? ask dr about melatonin or valerium capsules they are natural. dont give him anything with caffeine in it soft drinks or coffee for the next couple of days. decaf if possible. it excites them. my DH has started sleeping alot during the day and then up at 2am as well =at least hes good and stays in bed -divvi
Imohr, I wonder if they just have been so busy that she hasn't had time to get on, or doesn't have privacy to read, or something else that is minor. I'm trying not to worry about her. He fought going the day before the trip. We'll say an extra prayer for them to have a good trip and a safe return home!
Decblu, I'm so sorry for the problems you've had! I was there this past week myself. Have some extra hugs! (((HUGS))
Divvi, I'm not raw there, thank goodness!!!!! <grin>
Sunshyne is participating in a study and I'm sure will be back when she can....
Thank you Mary! I dont really know anyone here that well as I have been in and then was out for a while. I can see though there are many very special warm hearted souls here!