The Long Goodbye
The Globe and Mail’s A Journal Of Love is a heart-breaking story, and will bring tears to your eyes as much as it has for us, but it needs to be highlighted. Donna MacDiarmid’s story starts by her telling us that she’s “a woman in love.” This statement stands for all the love, and compassion and devotion husbands and wives feel for each other. As they deal with Alzheimer’s disease, and regardless of how the disease tests their relationship.
Being Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s Disease
Donna’s husband, George was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 9 years ago when he was only 61. A once strong and able man, who was captain in the military, and proud of his military and Airborne Regimen service, has been rendered helpless by the disease and is being cared for in a nursing home.
No matter how stressed and emotional her experience has been with her husband’s disease, she’s focused on loving him as she always has – her love is the armament that’s helped her face problems in stride. Donna has dealt with the stages that started with Roger simply forgetting where he put his keys to pacing. Forgetting day to day activities, becoming afraid to take a bath or shower, becoming frustrated, which turned to anger at not being able to. George was angry by having to be move out of his familiar home into a nursing home. Donna focused on being there with him and for him, and keeping him healthy and happy. As she says, she’s happiest when she visits him everyday to spend time with him.
Being Taken Out Of Familiar Surroundings
The lowest point for Roger was when he had to be taken out of his own home. It’s difficult for people with Alzheimer’s dementia to be in unfamiliar surroundings; it creates confusion, frustration and anger, which is how Roger felt at the time of the transfer.
Donna has ceased grieving, and has come to terms with the new life she lives. Donna makes her time left with her husband about them, their togetherness and love for each other. They’ve gradually reached a peaceful stage together as Roger has found a new rhythm of life that keeps him happy and content. She feels that he still knows who she is, and needs her and loves her as he always has. She has wonderful days with him and he shows her that he’s happy when she’s with him.
The most profound moment is when Donna tells George that she loves him, and he responds positively in his own way.
Give your husband or wife a big hug and kiss!
Karen 🙂
Karen Tyrell, CDP
Personalized Dementia Solutions
Personalized Dementia Solutions
