I wanted to share several AHA moments that I had in the last few weeks.  I was surprised that after 2+ years since my husband’s passing, I am feeling more positive and hopeful for the future.  This was gradual. I know that my husband will always be part of my life, but somewhere along the way I lost the anger, guilt, and bitterness.  These were strong emotions.  Regret is still part of my life and primarily wishing he was here to be with me to enjoy some of the better moments.  Being here through the tough moments would also be a relief!  Having said that, one of ..read more

@SpringIsHereSoHappy .   Nicole,  I just had the greatest 3 hours. My male BFF came into town and I had not seen him since 2016. We spent the last 3 hours together and it was like time rewound itself back 40 years.  That is the best thing that has happened for a long time. It also made me so HAPPY, LOVED and the most awesome time.  I am so glad to say that for the first time, I actually cried from joy and not grief or sorrow.  BEST DAY EVER ..read more

I am enjoying Spring more than I remember.  I am more aware of the small yet sweet signs of Spring reawakening.  Trees sending out blossoms, bulbs shooting up, birds singing their songs, weather becoming warmer.  All signs of life’s rejuvenation.  It will not be the same Spring as prior years, nor should it be.  A new season also called Spring.  I am finding it inspiring that Nature continues despite losses and hardships.  There seems to be an innate spirit to create and prorogate as is necessary to continue life.  I started thinking that is where I am ..read more

I'm 59 and live alone after caring for my wife in her dementia for 11 or so years. I have no in person friends, the rest being a few people online I'm friendly with but not close with. Although my mother lives in town, she is not the kind to provide the support I need. Neither is my brother, who lives across the state.   Having several mental and physical health issues that are concerning, and living in the depth of emotional distress I experience, I want to build a safety net in case something happens to me and I either die or become incapacitated in my home. As it is, I could lie dead o ..read more

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!   Feeling Angry as a Family Caregiver? You Are Not Alone.   How to acknowledge and deal with challenging emotions.   By Lee Woodruff, AARP. Published April 19, 2024.   Being a caregiver means dealing with a kaleidoscope of emotions on any given day. Thankfully, we live in an age when it’s easier to speak openly about the gifts and hardships that come with this complicated and often challenging role. And yet, one of the topics I rarely encounter in conversations around caregiving is the issue of anger. That’s right, anger.   ..read more

How to Be a Caregiver for Someone With COPD.   Breathing problems can be scary, but you can help.   By Kim Painter, AARP. Published April 17, 2024.   *** USE LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO READ THIS ARTICLE *** [1] Then enter Email Address you used to sign in to use This Site.   [2] Then enter the password you use.   [3] Lastly, there are 3 LETTERS that will "pop up" as their SECURITY CHECK. Enter those.   [4] Then click log in.   https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2024/copd-care-plan.html ..read more

My husband passed away--and it seemed sudden but had a disease for which there was no cure. Even though I try to keep busy I often get very tearful. It's been very painful. I'm sure it's been that way for everyone. And I don't know what to expect from writing this except it feels better to share ..read more

Here he is in his favorite position and all his glory.     ..read more

So, I live in Maryland and just received a weather alert that the storm system moving through Texas is headed our way. Warnings indicate heavy rain,  wind and the chance of tornadoes.  We have had SO much rain that if they try to say we have a shortage this summer that I literally would like to go through the TV and choke the first one who says it,  LOL.  ..read more

@SpringIsHereSoHappy. Nicole,  thanks for checking in on me. I know that I haven't posted or responded in a long time and I am sorry.  I am going through a really rough patch right now. I am very depressed, angry and anxious all at once. There is just a lot going on with my family and my Mom. We had an appointment for her at the memory clinic and she didn't do well. We now have to go for an MRI of her brain.  She has been diagnosed with mild dementia and other unknown cognitive disorders. My Mom is the only parent that I have left and I will always be there for her. My brother i ..read more