Hello, There is an interesting opinion piece in today's New York Times Bloggingheads concerning a call to President Obama to forward the call to fund research to cure Alzheimer's.
I have pretty much dropped out of the discussions due to caring for DH and Mom with Alzheimer's, along with work and my own kids. I can barely formulate an intelligent response at the end of the day. I still read this site faithfully and please know that I rarely join in because I am living the Alzheimer experience every single minute of the day. After visiting with my Mom the other day and dealing with the ever changing issues, I came home to hubby and HIS ever changing issues and during our usual "content-lite" dinner conversation (our youngest child left for college this fall so it's just me and DH at dinner) said "I'm really tired of this". Not angry, not in denial, just plain tired. Sorry to vent.. Joan, I enjoy your comments about caring for your Dad and Hubby. I truly HEAR you!
Isa - there is nothing wrong with expressing yourself. There was no anger when you said, just a comment. We all get that way, even in the early stages. In the later and with the plate you are carrying, you have every right to be tired. Besides, if you keep it in it could go to anger,, etc.
and this is the place to vent. Safe and understanding.
My sister in law's sister's husband has AD and she refuses to take part in any part of a support group. Her reasoning is that she lives with it 24 hours a day and does not want to get together with other people and talk about it. Taken at face value, that makes sense. There are days that I avoid this site for that very reason. But then the next day I am back. I find the support helpful, I enjoy hearing about how all of you are doing (the good and the bad), but I also like the "alrighty" thread and the "giggles and jokes", a little comic relief is always welcome. We all need to do what works for us.
Edith, I avoided the site for more than a week after returning from a recent respite vacation. It was like trying to extend the vacation, even though I was caring for dh again. But coming back felt like coming home.
I'm here too and feel like I don't post much..but do check in and care about everyone here. This is the only ONLY place where I've found help and understanding when things are so completely crazy. I've found wit and humor in the face of such awfulness that helps assure and steady me when I'm afraid or begin to think too far ahead. Wise, experienced and seasoned veterans stay to encourage and advise and I can only hope to be as helpful to someone else.