Nancy - he couldn't remember which way to turn the valves on the system. It has the option to bypass the filters vs going thru the filter. When I figured it out and tried to explain it to him is when he got so upset and said 'I can't remember how to do things anymore. I might as well stop trying.'. But he does spend the days in the shop tinkering keeping himself busy. Yesterday he rewired the day/night light outside. He got tired of the extension cord going up over the motorhome to the light. He found electrical cable in the shop and rewired it all running it under the motorhome. He likes to work, enjoys the volunteer driving he does for our church, but new, detailed things are stressful and hard to learn. It takes repeating many times to learn.
He would just as soon travel or go to our parks for a while so I think we will next month unless some easy camp host job where I do most of the work comes along. We would be gone by now except the dr appt for SSDI was canceled and rescheduled for the 25th. Then we can take off for a couple weeks - maybe longer.
Oh Charlotte, I think going to the Parks is an excellent idea. As soon as you can "hook em up and head 'em out" DO IT! I envy you..Wish I had wheels under this house. I love the concept - everything about it... totally! Love Nancy
While I am enjoying the respite my sister's visit is affording me, I reprinted this blog about acceptance from the archives of 2009. In re-reading it, one part jumped out at me - the part about a new decline occuring and the time it takes for me to "accept" it. In that blog, the "fight" was still in me. It's long gone now. When a decline occurs, there is still surprise, although I have no idea why. But I no longer fight it or try to change it. I accept it right away and make it part of the life we are forced to live with this miserable disease. I find that sadder than the fight I used to put up.
I'm in that same boat as you, Joan. in fact, some people in my weekly support group ask me how I can be surprised each time I share my reactions of suprprise. But that's just the way it is for me. Surprise first ... then acceptance!
I agree on that. I'm more shocked than surprised whenever my DH shows another symptom and think that I'll never be able to do this but then it just sort of seems like it becomes part of the daily routine and you go on. I think that's when you know you've come to the acceptance part.
"Accepting is not giving up but rather knowing you can't stop what is going to happen, and not feeling guilty or frustrated. That then, is peace." --Texas Joe in Sept. 2009