Why didn’t I think of that

I had a “duh” moment tonight when I took Burt to a Thanksgiving party at our nearby neighborhood center.

I hesitated. I had trepidations.

He was nervous. His anxiety over where, when, why were extreme.

I was pretty sure I could safely ignore his exhortation to “get another boyfriend” if I wanted to go to something like this. I planned and I organized.

Time came to get going and we arrived to a sweet, terrific welcome.

The room was lively and set up with white chairs and round tables on the basketball court. The shot clock in the auditorium was a bright red. Burt was a convert. He wanted to go to any event that they held.

I had heard of partners who went on trips or who took their person with dementia out for visits. I was envious but felt Burt’s reluctance would make that difficult. Now I know I can do it and how much it can improve mood and sense of self.

Here’s the conclusion: Going to things together and having activities like this is going to make caregiving an easier journey.