Monday, 07 September 2009
Alzheimer's: Part 5 – In Response to Comments Here
By William Weatherstone of The Diesel Gypsy
This is a special answer to Jeanne Waite Follett who wrote a response to my disease subject, and to all the commenting special people to whom I appreciated all suggestions to help me through this new trauma in my life.
I have been a loner on the road all my life and am slow to respond to sincere (and accepted) advice. I hope that this will be a chance for others to understand my quiet appreciation of their advice, for which I have taken seriously ,and applied many suggestions to my dilemma.
For that, I thank you all.
To Jeanne: I totally understand the different situation of being away from the major city centers. I am quite familiar with the distance involved while living in the Yukon and North West Territories, as well as traveling-distance problems in the Alaskan territory.
At present, I am in a Northern Ontario, Canada, an ex-mining town which is off the (what one would call the mainstream of civilization) beaten path. (This was our preference.)
After following the comments with great interest, I am fully prepared to continue my documenting our situation if I can squeeze in a few moments now and then.
My cousin has just left for home after five weeks of dedicated help. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the assistance for which she supplied while being here. The only good thing that has happened upon her leaving was that I now have regained full use of my computer and can carry on again at the slightest whim. (Ha-ha.)
PS: She is a PC nut.
Please take care and I will carry on documenting my progress.
[EDITORIAL NOTE: All elders, 50 and older, are welcome to submit stories for this blog. They can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, etc. Instructions for submitting are here.]
Posted by Ronni Bennett at 02:30 AM | Permalink | Email this post
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Yours is a difficult path and I am sure any help is welcome.
On the other side, by recording the journey you are giving help to those who have just begun the sad path of being care giver to an adult child. Your continued reporting of the ongoing process is of great interest and of great comfort to others who share your hard journey.
I have a friend whose husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease several years ago and she has not only had to deal with the stress, but his family are creating more stress for her. It can't be easy.
I think of you and your courage for having to take on a task you didn't expect or ask for. Take good care of yourself and accept any and all help.
Posted by: Darlene | Monday, 07 September 2009 at 04:03 AM
Hi William. Good to know you are still with us. We're pulling for you.
Posted by: liloldme | Monday, 07 September 2009 at 05:44 AM
Hi William - yes, good to hear from you. I'm going to take part in the local Alzheimer's Walk in two weeks to raise money for research. I will think of you and your wife.
Posted by: mary jamison | Monday, 07 September 2009 at 07:05 AM
Hello William,
I wrote to you earlier and am pleased that you feel well enough to reply, continuing your story. Great news that you're on the computer again. Bad news that you have to travel a distance for medical care. Thanks to your cousin who arrived offering help.
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie | Monday, 07 September 2009 at 07:22 AM
So glad that you had help for that brief while. I hope you can find a solution that doesn't leave you sleep deprived and going dotty yourself. We care.
Posted by: Mage B | Monday, 07 September 2009 at 01:08 PM
It may be of small comfort in knowing that you travel this journey, not alone...but with many. In reading your posts, and others in different blogs, and attending support groups...I have learned that the disease follows a different path with each individual that it claims. I find myself asking,"what is the purpose?" I have found no answer, only to know with each challenging episode, that I look for greater patience and tolerance. It is a challenge, to be sure....I wish you the best in your journey...
Posted by: Linda | Monday, 07 September 2009 at 05:09 PM
Good luck, William and please continue to keep in touch with us.
We really do care about you and your wife and wish only the best for you both.
Posted by: Nancy | Monday, 07 September 2009 at 06:42 PM
old truckers keep on going so we are all with you
Posted by: young bill | Friday, 27 November 2009 at 06:15 AM
ANn how is the old trucker adapting? We care, you know.
Posted by: Jeanne Waite Follett | Friday, 27 November 2009 at 08:14 AM
Bill,
I really get just where you are coming from Bill. My Dad had this along with other problems, but what really startled me and Lorraine,my wife, was when we went to Bracebridge for a visit and Dad was standing by the kitchen sink, looking out the window and talking to a dish cloth. We both knew he was sick, but just not how sick and this just broke our hearts. Dad was a very proud man and would NEVER admit defeat, but this brought him to his knees. Very, very sad.
Lorraine and my thoughts and prayers are going out to you, Bill.
Regards,
Brian & Lorraine McKay
Posted by: Brian | Sunday, 24 January 2010 at 07:44 PM
hi old timer havent heard from you hope every thing is ok with you.thinking about keep her lite .
Posted by: NOT SO OLD BILL | Saturday, 30 January 2010 at 07:54 AM
Been wondering how you are doing.... Hope you will write for us again soon. Sending the best thoughts for you and your wife.
Posted by: Linda | Saturday, 30 January 2010 at 10:24 AM