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!
Haralee says
November 30, 2015 at 10:23 amYou are doing such great things, you are an inspiration!
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:09 pmRight back at you, my dear! The awareness that you bring to breast cancer has helped so many women.
Susan Macaulay (@AmazingSusan) says
November 30, 2015 at 10:34 amGood for you Rena – you are doing amazing things!
Susan Macaulay (@AmazingSusan) recently posted…laughing babies better than any pill ever invented, cure for virtually everything
Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:09 pmThanks Susan!!
Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com says
November 30, 2015 at 7:30 pmBesides 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
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:10 pmThank you so much Abby! It must be fate that you are my very first one.
Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com says
November 30, 2015 at 7:40 pmOf course when I wrote nobel, I meant noble thing to do:) But you still deserve the Nobel Prize for your work though, Rena xx
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:11 pmHahaha! You crack me up Abby!
kymberlyfunfit says
November 30, 2015 at 9:48 pmHiya 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!
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:12 pmThank you so much Kymberly! I always appreciate your support so much!
Lana says
December 1, 2015 at 11:46 pmWhat a great idea Rena. You are so awesome :)!
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:23 pmThank you dear friend! I’ve been thinking about you, hoping you are doing okay.
Antionette Blake says
December 2, 2015 at 5:23 pmMay you continue to get better and stronger and thanks for giving others a platform.
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:23 pmThanks so much Antionette! I really appreciate your comments.
G Angela says
December 4, 2015 at 3:05 amwhat a beautiful sharing; thanks for inspiring, appreciate your post !
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:25 pmThank you so much, Angela. I really appreciate your kind words.
Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com says
December 5, 2015 at 2:54 pmI’ve sent you little something:) You should check your email Rena.
xx Abby
Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:26 pmThanks Abby! Got it!
Carol Graham says
December 6, 2015 at 10:14 amSuper idea — everyone needs support.
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:26 pmThank you Carol! I really appreciate it.
Damyanti says
December 7, 2015 at 10:17 amThanks for highlighting this poignant and very relevant issue. This is inspirational.
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:27 pmThank you so much Damyanti! I appreciate your comments.
dltolley says
December 7, 2015 at 10:45 amGirl, could you get any more amazing?! 🙂
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:28 pmRight back at ya darling!
Reema D'souza says
December 7, 2015 at 12:47 pmWonderful 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.
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:29 pmAw thank you so much Reema! I really appreciate your kind words.
Vinitha says
December 7, 2015 at 4:29 pmSuch an inspiring post!
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Rena McDaniel says
December 7, 2015 at 6:29 pmThank you so much Vinitha!
Liv says
December 11, 2015 at 4:07 pmIt would be great if this could be a place for everyone to share. I know I’ve enjoyed your stories Rena.
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