Hello to all. My name is Dianne and I have visited your site many times, have learned much. I have decided that this is where I need to be now. My DH of 23 years has EOAD for about 4 years now, maybe 5. He is declining rapidly. I am 52, he is 68, 16 years difference in age. I also suffer from Systemic Lupus and Fibromylagia and have not been able to work for 3 years, luckily I have been able to stay home with him. In addition my parents are not doing well and try to help out there. Let me say how much I admire each of you and your courage. This road has been the rockiest I have ever been on and if it weren't for love and a deep sense of commitment I would have moved on a long time ago. Each of you has given me resolve to fight each day to give DH the best care I can. This site has been more useful to me than any other out there. Please know that someone is singing your praises, I know what each of you goes through each day. I feel loved here and safe here already. Bless each of you and know that you have made a difference in my life.
Welcome, magnoliarose. I haven't been here long either but the wealth of information I've gotten has made so much difference in how I feel about being able to cope. I read these message boards for a long time before I joined. Like you, I decided that this is where I belong. You'll love the people here.
Dianne, welcome! Please feel free to comment anytime! We are sorry for the reason you are here, but we all will be happy to share whatever we have learned with you. I'll be brazen and accept your thoughtful words and say thank you for your kind compliments to all of us and most especially Joan!
Dianne, may I also add my welcome and coming out party?? it makes MY day when someone signs in transitioning from a lurker (in the good sense of course) to a member. if everyone who visits and reads could participate then so much more could be learned. its almost like it was an ongoing 'AD poll' in a sense of things we discover amongst ourselves that our AD loved ones have in common. where will you find that? someone who is willing to 'put all the nittygritty personal stuff out there for the whole world to read, and that breaks their heart to admit their feelings, and have someone else say, "my day is alot like yours"?? the feeling of familiarity and touching someone across distances is a huge gratification. sometimes in laughter and other moments of grief. glad you made the right choice. looking forward to your posts, as well as all of you still needing the extra push!:) divvi
Hi! I've been on this site for about 2 weeks and have learned more in these 2 weeks than I've learned in the last 3 years. I'm really sorry to hear of your troubles but you really are in a good place now. You will receive lots of support, care and loving. Blessings!! XOXO
Welcome Dianne, As everyone has commented this is a great site. I know it was a godsend when I found it. You can ask any question here & someone will have an answer. You can also say anything, no one judges.
A warm welcome Dianne. (Saw that bluedaze!) This site has really been a God send to me. I learned so much in such a short time. And sometimes we seem to get carried away with a little humor, but our administrator allows us this, if it doesn't go too far. This is one heck of a great group.
Welcome to my website. I am sorry you need to be here, but it is a place of comfort for spouses to discuss and learn about issues that are unique to us. If you have not done so, please go to the home page of the website, www.thealzheimerspouse.com, and check out all of the features and information on the left side. I particularly recommend the block that has "Understanding the Dementia Experience". That one was invaluable in helping me. Also, scroll through the "previous blog section" and read the topics that interest you.
I too would like to jump on the welcome wagon. I am sorry to hear of your husband as well as your own health issues. Keep posting and sharing it truly helps. Best wishes, Nikki
Magnoliarose, what a lovely name. Welcome to our little family. As you've probably noticed, we have quite a few May-December romances here -- my husband is 19 years older. You have an awful lot on your plate. I hope we can help.
Welcome, Dianne. My husb and I are also a few years apart -- 14.5 to be exact...he's 62 & I'm 48. I hope you will continue to visit the site & be a part of our group. It is a great group of encouraging people :)
Welcome...this site has been a life saver for me. I believe I am the only May-December in reverse. I am 13 years older then my DH. Thought when we got married I would have someone too keep me young and care for me as I got older...wrong....wrong...it is just the other way around.
Welcome Dianne, you have come to the right place. I'm sorry it had to be under this difficult situation. You got your plate full. We are all here to lend a shoulder to cry on and a helping hand for any questions that need to be answered. Some here know more than others, but you will always get someone to try to help you. Again welcome to our great family.
Welcome Dianne. This is a great site. I have learned a lot from it too. You might want to go to the subject "Find your State Mate" and tell us what city and state you are from.