Loneliness
Granny G, You are the first person who has spoken my thoughts. Over the years the things I have observed with my wife's condition I find fascinating because I'm a free thinker. Nature gives us ways of coping with most things. Consider, as a child (1930s) in an orphanage run by Nuns I made my own world, with make believe horses I plowed fields! and tended and talked to imaginary livestock! Anyone watching me playing on my own, might think I was hallucinating, ring a bell?
Loneliness as such, I was unaware of, as I was only one of many children, aged from months old up to what they considered young men at 10yr old.
On reaching that age I was transfered on my own to what is now known as Notorious Artane (since wiped from the face of the earth). I was put to work making clothing, and later worked full time on the Poultry Farm. Released (disposed off, the offical word) into a new strange world at 16yrs old.
I had to learn quickly about every thing, eg there was a difference between boys and girls. People celebrated birthdays and had parties and presents at Christmas!
The point I'm making is as a stranger in a strange world I had to keep very much to myself. The benefits I have derived from having to use my God given brain have and are wonderful.
What I observed around me were people accepting what they are told, what to wear, eat, drink, that they have this or that disorder, take this or that medication etc etc. Now there are gagets in your car to tell you how to get to places.
According to the experts I should be suffering with Alz as I'm over 75 and lonley, I was already told about 8 years ago I would never run again because I required an operation on my back. It never happened and I'm still running thank God.
Right on Grannie, if you don't use it you lose it. Good luck and God bless.