My Husband, My Child

Every dementia patient is different; so is every care-giver. If you happen to be anything like me, and if your demented spouse is anything like My Great Dane, this, if I may be so bold, would be my advice: Go down that slippery slope with your spouse. When he developed Alzheimer's or a similar dementia, your life changed. The more you try to hang on to normalcy, to preserve yourself and your sanity, the more likely you are to injure yourself. Go willingly. Go lovingly. Even though your spouse may not be able to appreciate your companionship on the way down, you will. When well-meaning people advised me to take time out to do those things I really enjoy, I couldn't relate. Single-minded as I am, I focused on Hal, and it was in his company that I most enjoyed myself. Perhaps that's why I survived. And now, as a tribute to Hal and to myself, I intend to take laughter and joy with me on the trip back up the hill to recovery. Thank you for sharing our experiences. Read with understanding, compassion, and love.