This blog is about life with my husband who was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's and Frontal Lobe Dementia in 2008. He was 64 at the time although now, knowing more about the disease, Alzheimer's was present many, many years ago, which is why early detection is so important. As you read the blog the character "Al" that I created in 2008, represents the way that Alzheimer's is invading our daily lives.
There is an archive tab further down the page that starts from the beginning of our journey.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri has decided that one of the hardest things about this disease, is figuring out where Bob is, and meeting "them" there. She does not try to assign a "stage" in her head. That has just caused her frustration. What she means is that realizing and accepting what "Al" can and can not do and then meeting him there, meaning if we wind up peeling potatoes every weekend it is okay (accept for all the carbs:). Learning not to tell him his tales are not true, or that he already said that, or ask him why he can't find the bathroom in this tiny house she rented, are all forms of meeting him where "Al" is. Sheri has learned if she wants Bob and "Al's " cooperation, the best approach for her is to ask "Al" to HELP her, Bob still wants to feel useful and this approach touches the heart of who he is. This is a journey like no other and she knows it is not Bob's fault. Sheri just keeps challenging herself to  rediscover where "Al" is, and meeting him there with this ever evolving disease.

5 comments:

  1. Jim Devore - Bob's high school friend.January 6, 2016 at 4:43 PM

    You Sheri, are the best. I can't think of anyone better to take care of my old school mate from high school. Yeah, I know it's your place to do it but you are so wonderful with him. You're loving and inventive, not to mention patient and reliable. Many, many are not as lucky as the Bob we know and the "Al" that we don't. My wish this year is that everyone finds someone like you in their moments of need.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sheri . . . I love your post today . . . I love how you break it down and so relatable. Re the laundry: I took a que from you and thought I should let Jerry help. Well, when I suggested he might help with the folding, he said, why you are doing a good job. Huh???? He never had to fold a piece of laundry in his life nor make a bed nor clean a bathroom. Yikes!

    ReplyDelete