My husband has Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases. At the same time. Some people say Alzheimer’s with Parkinsonism. It doesn’t matter what it’s called. It sucks. So I’m coming out of the closet with it. Maybe this will help someone else. I’m sorry, kids.
Thank you, Parkinson’s. . .
- for destroying our dreams of retirement.
- for changing my sweetheart of 41 years into someone I barely recognize.
- for making me a caregiver.
- for taking away my strong man.
- for taking away my handyman, mechanic, and lover.
- for changing our family dynamic.
- for giving me the job of keeping up with six doses of medicines per day.
- for giving me the job of knowing when the dog is bothering him and keeping her away.
- for giving me the responsibility of getting someone to take care of the yard and home maintenance and repair.
- for the obligation of pretending that what he is saying is right when I know it is wrong or untrue.
- for my new job of cleaning the bathroom every day.
- for the job of listening to reports of his bodily functions and aches and pains.
- for changing the way I see myself and my husband and our relationship.
- for taking away things I enjoy because caregiving is more important.
- for keeping me home when I want to travel, go camping, or see the grandkids and kids.
- for the knowledge that it won’t get better.
Yet I must add this. Thank you, God, for being there through the good times and bad, for your Holy Word and your promises to be with us through it all.
“Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
XOXO
April Coker, Author 