Sometimes things happen in life that are, well, unexpected and unnerving. They find us totally unprepared.
When my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago, I felt like I had woken to this message:
“Sorry, the lifestyle you ordered is currently out of stock”
After reality set in and I had time to really THINK, I did my research and tried an assortment of options while continuing to work full time. At first, I could leave John at home – but soon discovered he could not drive without getting lost. Then, when our son found him 10 miles from home, walking on the highway with no phone, no wallet and no idea of where he was, having him home alone was no longer an option.
Adult day care places were difficult for both of us…and believe me, we tried every single one within driving distance of my home and work. After we had exhausted that option, I looked into care at home—something that would cost me more $$ than I made each day. Each day I could hear Prince singing in the background Let’s Go Crazy.
Plan B: in an effort to maintain what was left of my sanity and to care for my husband for as long as I was able, I opted to leave my full time job and work as a consultant from my home when work was available.
Has this journey been easy? Hell no. But I’ve learned a lot along the way—about people, about Alzheimer’s, about patience, about life and what’s really important. Join me on my journey and we’ll laugh and cry together.
And remember—LOVE IS HEALTHIER THAN KALE.
