If you are new, quick recap and list of characters. My name is Marty, 68 years old. I live with my husband (?) of 50 years, Doug who is 70 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago. We have 2 smallish dogs – Max and Molly. Current family situation – daughter, Lorie, her husband Keith, grandkids John Thomas, 19 and Lilly, age 16. My sister, Kathleen, her son, Kyle and his wife, Molly. These are my “in town” peeps. A five hour drive away, lives our son, Brian and his wife, Bethany, with our newest grandson, Jameson, who is one and a half years old. Bethany is pregnant again; due in July.
So you know – I put a question mark after the word “husband” because this is only a legal term. Alzheimer’s disease has taken my “husband” and left in his place this strange acting, strange sounding man who generally acts like a petulant 5 year old, who cannot be left alone. I had to quit my full time job to stay at home, with him and be his caregiver.
Okay – you are pretty much up to speed.
We have just made it through the Holidays. Thank you, Jesus! It was okay. Kind of lopsided. Usually, we go to our daughter, Lorie’s house (here in town) and open presents, eat lunch, go home. The only family here, to invite is my sister, Kathleen and her son Kyle. He is now married to Molly, as of August. This year, we decided to have it at my house, but Lorie would bring the food. Works for me! Our son Brian, who lives in Ohio, FaceTimes with us weekly. And for special occasions. But, they rarely make the 5 hour trip down to see us, in person. Never for holidays. So, I had No Spirit. Christmas or otherwise! Don’t get me wrong. I love Jesus! He knows it. We talk everyday!
Celebrating this year – Just not feeling it! Put a wreath on the door – I’m done! Doug, my husband, doesn’t know. Doesn’t care! There was a time – not many years ago – there were certain Christmas decorations that Doug wanted/needed to see, in place. This was the first year that he never mentioned them, nor where was the tree?
2019 was a terrible year! So glad it is over. Not much on the horizon for 2020, but Has to be better than last year! The first week of February, 2019, Doug got an ulcer on the bottom of his right foot. Because he is a diabetic, he has a wonderful foot doctor who we see on a regular basis. When she discovered this ulcer, it was roughly the size of a credit card. Also, because he is a diabetic, he is extremely slow to heal. What started as an ulcer in early February, turned into a ten month journey- yes, I said 10 months! – of daily wound care, not being able to walk, wheelchair bound fun and games. (That was sarcasm.) Dr. Shannon saw him every two weeks and then (like when you are pregnant) towards the middle of summer, every week. We got to know her, way more than we wanted to. I’m sure the feeling was mutual. He was only cleared to put on another shoe and walk on his own in the middle of November! The first time he walked into the doctor’s office, on his own power, all of the staff stood and applauded him! At least he is starting the new year on his own two feet! Thank you, Jesus!
Welcome to My World 