When I first started this blog I had a dream just to be heard. I had become severely depressed due to all the changes that were going on in my life. I was diagnosed with Felty’s Syndrome in 2011. My husband and I left our home state of 42 years so I could have better health insurance. We left the day after I was released from a month in the hospital to a one bedroom apartment that I had rented online sight unseen. We sold almost everything we owned to move 400 miles away just to keep me alive.
The only good points, at the time, were moving closer to my youngest brother and his family. My husband’s new job and bringing mom with us (my daughter and son in law followed shortly after). After two years, it was decided in September 2013 that it was no longer safe for mom to be on her own and she moved in with us. As I’ve said in earlier posts it was a nightmare. You can read about it here.
With this blog I have gotten better. We have all gotten better. I am no longer depressed. I don’t feel the constant isolation and I have learned so much that I now feel much more confident as a caregiver. Don’t get me wrong we still have bad days, but there isn’t the feeling of hopelessness that I had before. I am not grieving for all we are losing. Instead, I am focusing on all the good times yet to be had.
My next dream is to have a place where all of those caregivers, Alzheimer sufferers, and Rheumatoid patients have a place to tell their stories. Everybody has a story and I believe healing comes from sharing. Since this began I have heard from so many people with beautiful stories about a loved one with Alzheimer’s or someone with Rheumatoid disease. I’m going to divide it up into sections. I would like to eventually have one post a week of someone else’s story. Include a picture of a loved one you miss or perhaps you are a caregiver like me and just want to tell your experiences. I would really love to hear from you. Please submit your stories to rena@thediaryofanalzheimerscaregiver.com
I hope that you will share your stories with all of us!
ALSO:
If you are a caregiver you are invited to join our private Facebook group called
The Caregiver’s Corner just click the link right HERE and request to join!
You are doing such great things, you are an inspiration!
Right back at you, my dear! The awareness that you bring to breast cancer has helped so many women.
Good for you Rena – you are doing amazing things!
Thanks Susan!!
Besides taking care of your mum – the most nobel thing to do, Rena, letting others share their stories. Like you said, it’s through sharing and letting go of our pain that we heal. I’m looking forward to reading all those heartwarming and hope-inducing stories.
xx Abby
Thank you so much Abby! It must be fate that you are my very first one.
Of course when I wrote nobel, I meant noble thing to do:) But you still deserve the Nobel Prize for your work though, Rena xx
Hahaha! You crack me up Abby!
Hiya Rena: I added this post as well to the listly Caregivers list I created last week. This automatically adds it to the post I did last week on our site with the list embedded. Let’s get your word out wonder woman!
Thank you so much Kymberly! I always appreciate your support so much!
What a great idea Rena. You are so awesome :)!
Thank you dear friend! I’ve been thinking about you, hoping you are doing okay.
May you continue to get better and stronger and thanks for giving others a platform.
Thanks so much Antionette! I really appreciate your comments.
what a beautiful sharing; thanks for inspiring, appreciate your post !
Thank you so much, Angela. I really appreciate your kind words.
I’ve sent you little something:) You should check your email Rena.
xx Abby
Thanks Abby! Got it!
Super idea — everyone needs support.
Thank you Carol! I really appreciate it.
Thanks for highlighting this poignant and very relevant issue. This is inspirational.
Thank you so much Damyanti! I appreciate your comments.
Girl, could you get any more amazing?! 🙂
Right back at ya darling!
Wonderful work there. And I love your spirit! life is about focusing on the good things that we have rather than the troubles we face. Keep up the good work.
Aw thank you so much Reema! I really appreciate your kind words.
Such an inspiring post!
Thank you so much Vinitha!
It would be great if this could be a place for everyone to share. I know I’ve enjoyed your stories Rena.