It's been a while since I have posted. Slowly I am adjusting to this major life change that Jim and I are experiencing. At times I am incredibly sad. How can I not be? I miss him terribly. He continues to lose ground cognitively and physically. This is expected of course, but still just incredibly sad. I don't know which is worse; losing him a little bit at a time or dealing with a sudden death. Of course I don't get to choose, so I will make the best of it and appreciate what we still have together.
I see Jim every day, usually spending the morning or the afternoon with him. I enjoy this time with my sweetheart. I help him shave, brush his teeth and make any clothing adjustments as needed. He is always glad to see me. We still hug, kiss, and hold hands.
I've noticed that he is speaking less; he rarely initiates a verbal exchange. In response to others' conversation or query there may be no response, an unintelligible response, and every once in a while he says a phrase or two that makes perfect sense.
In spite of this, he is still able to quietly tell me how much he loves me, or to say "You are the love of my life". This is a phrase that was commonly said to each other over the years. Somehow he is still able to express this. How lucky I am to still be able to feel and hear his expression of love for me.
His gait is slower and more unsteady. He usually uses the railing on the wall for balance as we do our laps around the unit. His kindness to others who live here is such a gift! To be able to see the "real Jim" in action is so heartwarming. It is expressed by a gentle touch, a kind word or lending a hand to someone who needs his help.
Never, ever, did I expect such a smooth transition for Jim. I anticipated that he would be miserable, unhappy and always trying to "go home". The kind, gentle approach and an environment perfectly suited for one with dementia have all contributed to his happiness and contentment. The nursing home is able to do for Jim what I never could have provided for him at home. A warm, loving, caring and safe environment.
I am happiest when I am with Jim. It is so reassuring to see him, touch him and be reassured that he is doing OK. Evenings are the toughest for me. By the end of the day I am tired, low on energy and feel the emptiness or this big house.
I'm getting my life in order to prepare for downsizing sometime early next year. It will be a relief to move to something small and more manageable. I'm leaning toward a condo or townhouse. I'm still working out the financial piece to pay for Jim's care at the nursing home. It's complicated and expensive, but I've got some very smart and caring people to help me with this process.
I am seeing a psychologist (Dr. M) once a week. I'm so glad that I decided to do this. It gives me the freedom to say what ever is on my mind in a warm, caring and supportive environment. I talk, and talk, and talk some more! This therapy allows me to say freely what I am thinking without worrying about judgement or acceptance. While the stress of being the frontline caregiver is gone, I know that the inevitable loss of Jim is going to be very hard on me. I'm grateful for the support from Dr. M to see me through this difficult time in my life.
It's funny the things that will cause me to become overwhelmed with emotion. Last night I was talking on the phone with my friend Julie. We started to talk about Thanksgiving, and suddenly the tears just started falling. I'm working through an internal conflict about what I will do for the holidays. My heart is saying that I can't imagine the holidays without Jim. But then I need to work through the obligation of what someone else thinks I should do. My heart will win, thankfully, but hopefully without too much angst over others' expectations.
I'm not sure about the direction of my blog, or even if I should continue to post. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to write and have this wonderful group of friends visit me and respond with warmth and kindness. All of you helped me through the most difficult time in my life. For that I will always be grateful.
