Thirty eight years ago I met my husband. A shy and gentle man of 23. We have been married 37 years and 5 of those years he has dealt with Alzheimers. I can recall everything that happened the night we met. He proposed to me less then a month later. Today we both celebrate our birthday and I know he will not remember mine nor his. I will put a candle in the cake and give him his presents but I know he will not understand. My birthday wish is to give me more time with him, even though he doesn't know my name and everyday brings a new challenge for me. But today I will look at him and remember the young man that stole my heart.
My dh and my birthday are one day apart and we have been together for 37 years also. A lot of similiarities. I think it is the beautiful memories that we as caregivers have that help make this journey bearable. I pray that you and your dh have a beautiful day full of new memories for you. Hugs go out to you because I know they are an awsome gift all by theirself. Hoping you have a great day......God Bless you both.....
Similarities here too. I was 21 years old when we married 41 years ago. It's been 7 years of dealing with Alzheimer's, even though we didn't know what the problem was for the first 2 of those years. Lately, I also find myself thinking of that man I fell in love with on the first date. He proposed two weeks later. We had to wait 6 more months for me to graduate college, and then we were married.
Our love remained strong through better AND worse, richer AND poorer, sickness AND health. But this particular sickness is destroying everything. I don't think the marriage vows counted on Alzheimer's Disease.
Bev L., we met when I was 15 1/2 and he was 19; married 3 1/2 years later after I graduated high school. I had just turned 19. Been married 35 years next month. He proposed 1 month after meeting me and I laughed at him. He cried. I told him that I was only 15 and I couldn't think about getting married until I was older. I received an engagement ring for Christmas when I was 17. Of course, by then, we were making marriage plans. Very fond memories for me.