12 Comments
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Kenju's avatar

Fred, you have absolutely made the right decisions for both Ann and yourself. And I

Know how difficult the last 3-5 years have been. You have come through them with love, grace and compassion. Bravo!

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Jim Newlin's avatar

Fred, I admire you for the courage to face this very tough issue and to save yourself. Hoping you will

recover your joy and curiousity about all the world around you.

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Kathy's avatar

I can feel your sigh of relief, as well as the tremor in the same sigh as you step to the other side of this door. You have made such excellent decisions. It will be another new reality to adjust to, but you have traveled a very rough road with many new realities. I wish you both physical and soul felt peace at last.

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Janet King Yoder's avatar

That's a tough decision to make to move Ann to memory care. Caretaking is the hardest job in the world. And it takes a toll on every part of your life. I applaud your decision to not only take the best care of Ann but also of yourself.

It's still hard for me to believe that you're not living on Goose Creek or at least in Floyd county.

My love and best wishes to both you and Ann.

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Heidi Bond's avatar

Fred, I recently read an account of a woman whose son was diagnosed with ALS in his 30's which rapidly progressed. It was an overwhelming time of 24/7 care needs. Finally he was placed where he could receive all the needed and changing care he required by medical assistants. She described the relief she felt to once again simply be his mother, and not his caretaker. So I hope you feel free again to simply be Ann's husband, life partner, friend.

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Kathy Barron's avatar

I am very relieved that the hard but inevitable change has happened. I hope this set-up benefits you both. As you know, I went through a milder version of your story. Five years out, I enjoy my single life very much. I hope you have many years of good health to enjoy going forward.

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Honeybee's avatar

You are experiencing what every weary caregiver recognizes as "that strange relief."

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Jane Garden's avatar

Hi Fred! Thank you so much for sharing this arduous, loving journey. Your ability and desire to share this intense, too long, ongoing experience with your wonderful way of honest and beautiful writing skills is a blessing to all of us. Thanks goes to both you and to Ann for your love and spreading love. These are crazy time for many people and sharing our journeys makes for deeper understandings. For us as individuals and for our collective consciousness. Thank You!

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David Jenkins's avatar

thanks for your effort to support Ann in your years together. Looking forware to future posts the direction that you take.

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Sean Sharp's avatar

Thank you, Fred. My best to both Ann and you.

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Georgia A. Reynard's avatar

Both of you can now receive the care you need. I watched this in the years before my mother died. It was devastating for them both - even though she didn't know it. Thinking about you and wishing both of you all the best in your new lives.

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cate kerr's avatar

Know how this feels, Fred, and I am thinking of you. Such a long,exhausting road.

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