Grateful – Page 7 – this is our life

My poet

This is what I needed to move from the darkness I have been feeling. [To wit, a poem called Seeking Joy, which hardly hit its mark.] It was a contribution by my love, my p.w.d. Burt said something that was very uncharacteristic. He told me, “You’re talking to a poet.” I said, “You are theContinue reading “My poet”

Rx for saving

Not really part of my assignment, but I think this might be helpful. I have had great luck in saving on Burt’s prescriptions with Single Care. It’s an app. Or they will send you a savings card. The dollar amounts have been impressive enough for me to want to pass this on.

Tumble and fall

Burt is okay after taking a tumble this afternoon. He was with his caregiver, who called me and EMS. His aide said he kind of went down as she was trying to make the seat of his walker accessible to him. We got great EMTs whom Burt attacked and abused. They checked him out andContinue reading “Tumble and fall”

Self Care

Overrated! Just kidding, but I spent the better part of my morning reading back emails of Lapham’s Quarterly. I was waiting for a delayed dental appointment, which launched an hour later than scheduled. Lapham’s is very informative, and I caught snippets from “news” of Babe Ruth and an explanation of ether and electricity from NikolaContinue reading “Self Care”

A good day

It’s so much easier to want to keep up the care after a pleasant day. Burt awoke early but not hours early. He asked me about a half dozen times when I was leaving. This question is usually followed by the inevitable when are you coming back. I heard that too but for today theContinue reading “A good day”

Virtual walk

I have wanted to join one of these Caring Kind walks for years. Perhaps with our weekend aide, we’re going to be able to do it this year! For now, I’m registered to walk in my heart and spirit along with others on this journey with dementia. Of course, Burt and I will walk togetherContinue reading “Virtual walk”

Getting out together

I hate to admit it. When apparently healthy couples of a certain age stroll by hand in hand, I am envious. The recent outings facilitated by our new weekend aide take some of the sting of my jealousy away. I can get out with my guy. That’s a nice feeling. We both enjoy being out,Continue reading “Getting out together”

Mental health

Holding onto our mental health is not just taking interventions to keep depression at bay. As we get older, we worry about dementia. Forgetfulness sparks fear. Intervening for cognitive health seems like a good idea. I blog to keep my mind going. I do puzzles, albeit the Easy Sudoku and a mini crossword are myContinue reading “Mental health”

There’s a lot to be said

From pretty much day one of Burt’s symptoms, I looked to getting help. Initially, it was because I needed my time. I wanted to get 3 or 4 hours several times a week to get out. It seemed an existential need for me. In the parlance of our dementia communities, it’s deemed “self-care.” Some ofContinue reading “There’s a lot to be said”

At the start

When Burt first presented with his array of bizarre and unexpected symptoms, I simultaneously felt [that] “I couldn’t” and “I got this.” My current state of mind is very similarly disposed to having it both ways. Often, it looks like he’s also on the same page. “Got it” and “I just can’t.” After a recentContinue reading “At the start”