Yesterday, for the first time, I attended our local Alzheimer's society meeting. I knew I'd be feeling out of place - and indeed, I was the youngest spouse by probably 15 years. Anyway, one man had brought his wife along, and she was quite far along in the disease and it was the very first time I've ever met someone with Alzheimer's. I found it deeply distressing and her ravaged face has haunted me.... I always knew academically what I was going to face, but had never experienced it first hand. I thought that at least I'd be able to adjust to the deterioration one step at a time. A few of those steps happened lately - he forgot to turn on lights one evening, forgot to eat lunch when he was alone, withdrew money and walked away without lifting it from the machine, and yesterday I found the dustpan and brush in the chest freezer!
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.