September 2017

Right at the outset, I have to say that the last month or so has been a very good one for Anne, and consequently me.

Last month I explained the deterioration in Anne's incontinence, despite being treated for a potential urinary tract infection. Well, I am so pleased to say that her incontinence has significantly improved - not eliminated - but so much better. I am experienced enough to realise that this may only be temporary, but I am so grateful for this period of improvement. Was this a result of medication, or was it Divine intervention? I favour and lean towards the latter!!

As a consequence, my life over the last few weeks has been so much easier, less of a grind, and quite joyful. The best way I can describe it is to use a weather analogy. Living with and loving someone who has Alzheimer's can be like living under a cloud that gets increasingly darker. With the wet summer we have had, it is perhaps easy to imagine how it feels. However, the last few weeks have felt that the clouds have lifted, blue sky can be seen, and the odd ray of sunshine.

How long this phase will last is unknown and that is down to the unpredictability of the progression of the disease, but as I have said, I am so grateful for this window of respite.

I am reminded of the lyrics of a song called Clear Skies Ever Closer by Cherry Ghost which has the following chorus:

Clear skies ever closer
All of our goodbyes we will get over
Oh, the darkness descends down on me again
Through it all, love stood tall

Another upside of the last few weeks was enjoying a holiday with friends. Going "on holiday" with Anne is a misnomer if it is just the two of us, but being with other people makes such a positive difference to me. My radar can be switched off at times, knowing that others are looking after Anne for a few hours, and so I am, once again, grateful.

If there is a downside to the last month it has been the need to help Anne eat. She has a very healthy appetite, but it is becoming increasingly "normal" to help her finish meals. I have noticed that she starts off well feeding herself, but then she appears to give up. When I take over and feed her, she manages to finish her meals with ease. I can't figure out why this is happening, but it is definitely becoming more frequent. While I know that a time will come when Anne cannot feed herself, I am, again, grateful that I can help her to maintain a healthy physical lifestyle.

I have used the word "grateful" a number of times in this blog, and that is no accident,. It accurately describes how I am feeling. I am truly grateful to family, friends and God for allowing me to "have a breather"!!

And continuing the music theme, I am also reminded of a song by Blue Rose Code called "Grateful". You can check it out at this website address:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2if8VM0HTU

As the song says - "Lord, I am grateful"   (health warning - you may cry watching this - I did)

until next month

aye

Gordon