I wish I had a recording devise going some days…the things that are said in the name of dementia does me in (often a good way) every time!   Lewy Body Dementia sometimes attacks the ability to speak, and regularly causes confusion in everyday life. That being said, my persevering  witty husband’s one-liners continue to flow forth without regard to place, time, or company!  Confusion be damed! Not always appropriate mind you, wherein  lies his brilliant newly conceived concept  of blaming it on dementia (“Oh it’s ok, I have dementia. That’s what it is.”). He is rig ..read more

Life had become increasingly more difficult for Art and me; hospice had evaluated him, and had admitted him as an in-home patient the second week of December, effectively changing him out of the lesser need-based palliative care, to the more declined state that qualifies a person for hospice care. Some of you may assume this new admission means I then had around-the-clock help, not so! Hospice care supplied a nurse practitioner, a social worker, and a chaplain, all once a week; an aide came twice a week, for one hour each visit. It was me as his primary caregiver most of the time. The physical ..read more

My toes are a lovely shade of purplish-black on my left foot, My neck and chin are a matching shade of that same charming color, my back is in major spasms, and my bad knee, that part of my body that bore the brunt of my fall, completely took my breath away and brought on intense waves of nausea with the surging pain I felt when I landed like a ton of bricks on it. To say that I am bruised and sore in more areas then I care to admit would not be an understatement; but the most humiliating pain is undeniably to my sense of self. My ability to completely take on all the responsibilities of home ..read more

As 2018 draws to a close I am compelled to reflect on our lives this past year. While Art has endured some tumultuous times with his LBD and newly acquired, unpleasant symptoms, we carry on despite the debilitating and trying issues that plague him. He is not one to give up and give in; not now, not ever. So it is in this vein that I refuse to dwell in the negatives, but rather, quietly contemplate the many positives that we have been blessed with this past year. We have always loved to travel, and with the help of our family, we were able to engage in our favorite past time once again; albeit ..read more

October, 2020: I have had zero desire to write about our life during this dreadful 2020 pandemic of Covid-19. In fact, this is my fifth attempt to start a piece. I have a title, but that is about it…But this blog has been stagnant long enough, as it has been niggling in the back of my mind lately; whispers invading my thoughts of how we are coping with life’s latest challenges, whether the right way, or the wrong way. Let me just say that his LBD keeps him ignorant of the many realities of Covid-19; even in the face of the effects of this dire pandemic on our significantly altered lifestyle. T ..read more

Things had been going along quite swimmingly, as they say…until they weren’t. Art had been having quite a good stretch; successful art show, replete with a some surprise guests I had invited to make his day.  He was reasonably healthy (all things considered), and we were enjoying some much cherished time with the active, but always loving grandkids. Fast forward two weeks to the  day after art show, and Art, who NEVER has agreed to a ride to the E.R.  (Emergency Room) in an ambulance (even after hitting his head in the bathtub and being knocked unconscious a couple of years ago ..read more

I initially began writing this post two months ago, as a reflection on our 40th anniversary. But life happens, and alas, the post was neglected and forgotten. But so much has transpired since that day, that I am not sure where to begin or how much to share. Things are a bit of a blur, and truth be told, I am not sure of the dates anymore. Let me begin with with Art’s brothers in Texas. Art has always tried to maintain a positive relationship with all of his brothers, being the only family member who moved away from the Houston area years ago. Thus,  keeping the connection to his extended ..read more

As I write this we are four days away from our 3rd Annual Art Lee Art Show and Fundraiser! I can’t believe it! We are looking forward to this weekend with excitement, anticipation, and trepidation. As you can imagine, things have changed significantly for my beloved in the past three years. But his indomitable determination to  live life on his own terms, marches on. All year long Art gets up each day with a solitary mission in his mind-to create extraordinary oil paintings. After he was initially diagnosed  with Lewy Body Dementia, and his beloved license to drive was taken away, he ..read more

As we near the three year mark of the official diagnosis of Art’s Lewy Body Dementia, I am conflicted by a desire to share with  you, our dear friends and family, what helps us, but also what hurts us in our daily struggle with Art’s devastating illness. It is my sincere hope that no one will take this personally, that I am not chastising or trying to cause offense, but rather, allowing you a glimpse into our lives and how we are affected by actions, or inactions on the part of well-meaning individuals. Many of you have asked how you can help-after much reflection, this is what I have con ..read more

Time marches on, and with it goes my husband’s sense of independence; a crushing blow to a once vital, strong-willed, capable man. His male ego shattered beyond repair almost daily, leaving him defenseless and vulnerable to life’s newly minted, unforgiving and debilitating challenges. His emotions run the gamut on any given day-from confused, to angry, to devastated, all because even the simplest of tasks pose an insurmountable burden. There are days when holding a fork does nothing to help the food make it to his yearning mouth. Even the special weighted utensils do little to assist with thi ..read more