It is March 1st, and as promised, Tracy Mobley has written her monthly blog for us. It is her perspective on how dementia has changed her marriage. It is outstanding, in that it helps us understand how our spouses may feel about the altered state of our relationships.
I invite you to log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - to read the blog and comment here.
Thank you, Tracy, for this blog. It is amazingly sensitive and insightful. What a horrible disease that takes away feelings and memories! Bless you both.
Tracy, I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. I am sure your husband is a blessing even as he goes through his worries and concerns. You are are brave and gutsy lady. God bless you and your loved ones.
I will never really know if my husband's behavior was because of his AD or if it was his 'real' personality. I've given up trying to sort it out, but Tracy's personal story helps--somewhat. I loved DH so much, sometimes I could hardly wait to see him but then, it was as if he wasnt really there with me, and my emotions would turn against him. How could that be--so much love and rejection toward the same man. Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been if I had not been married to AD--if things had always been 'normal' between us. Bless you, Tracy, and your dear husband. At least I know, for sure, how HE feels.
Dear Tracy, You are a wonderful writer and your willingness to share your side if this experience is more than generous. Your insight and observations are so helpful for us to understand somewhat the things are loved ones are feeling and thinking. It is a delicate balance we all find ourselves trying to manage. Bless you for all the good you have and are doing and your family for their loving support.
Thank you Tracy for your sharing and being so candid. Your words help me understand that my AD husband still loves me as much as his AD will let him. His doctor keeps reminding me that it isn't about ME that he does or doesn't do things, but his disease. I am a slow learner. God bless you in your walk at this stage of life.
Tracy, Your comments are absolute gold for me. Now I know that when I visit DH at the assisted living facility, and ask him, "Did you miss me?" and he says "No," I understand. When I am visiting and he is looking at me, he knows I'm there, if I leave the room for something, he doesn't remember I'm in the facility, and when I leave he doesn't remember I've been there. You are courageous and brave. Your contributions are most valuable. Please continue to write every thought that comes to mind and post it on this site. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that something good will result. When a door closes, a window opens. Today you are the window. May God bless you and your family.
Tracy is helping tens of thousands of spousal caregivers better understand their AD/Dementia spouses. I have decided to let my husband read it, and see if he is able to relate or understand. He cannot express himself the way she does.