Most of you do not know me. My husband died 5-5-10-a long time ago. I joined when Joan was just starting this wonderful Group.With Joan's help we learned how to cope with the destruction of our lives. Humor was a big part of coping. It's not easy finding humor when shoveling shit. I was part of "The Dirty Dozen". We did most of the posting until we went on strike until others starting posting. Some of the group called us elitist and we backed off posting. Well-here I am again. My message is-you will survive. You will eventually remember the good stuff and the bad will take a back seat. One of my daughters, with a double masters' became a dementia care specialist because of what we went through with her dad. How I wish we had all known then what we know now.
'The Dirty Dozen": you'all sure kept the site lively! It's good to hear from you again; I've missed you. Can you tell us how Divi is? Nancy B? And Joan?
Divi is fine. Sold her enormous house and is living near her family. Mary is still working and travelling-sometimes with other of us oldies. Nancy married and divorced-doing well.Many of us are on a FaceBook group.
Lois is one of the group who meets up with some of the others. Ours is a friendship that will last forever. Sadly folly and sunshyne disappeared without a word If you're on FB come join us.
Glad you popped in, Nora. In case you hadn’t heard, I lost new wife Joyce five weeks ago, but I’m doing fine – I guess dealing with the loss must get easier with practice! You mentioned sunshine – I really would like to know what has transpired in her life in the almost ten years since she disappeared – she was one of a kind!
What about Coco? (Her name is Patti.) I know she left the group voluntarily after her husband died. I think she said she couldn't keep doing so much Alzheimers all the time. She was/is a wonderful person. If I remember right, she went to Washington D.C. with Joan to advocate for us.
Bluedaze, thank you for the update! You probably don't know me. Back in 2010 I was only lurking. You gals were too far ahead of me. When things got really difficult for me I started posting here and read lots and lots of history. For awhile I took over Divi's crown as poop.queen. I learned so much and drew inspiration from all of your posts even years after. Just can't find the words to express my gratitude. I can't come up with a specific example right now, but everytime I see "bluedaze" I smile and say "oh I like her!". Glad to hear about Coco and Nikki and Divi, especially Divi. Boy she got me through some tough times.
Thank you so much. The site meant so much to us. We learned and shared before all the books came out. Early on the victims of dementia were over medicated before other methods came into being. Divert-divert-divert. Don't try to reorient if they are living in a better time and place.
Great to hear from you, Nora. I didn't join until 2012 but sure learned a lot from all of you "veterans". I don't post much now but still read all the new posts. Sometimes I get behind when I am away for weeks, but usually catch up after I get home. I still think how nice it was to meet you and Joan several years ago. Best to both of you!