@georgescraftjr I agree with everything in that poem except I really don't believe that the best of him is gone. His quiet nature and good manners are still intact. He still responds to hugs and kisses and no longer challenges me on how I spend our money. That was always a battle when I wanted to buy something he didn't feel we needed. I know my husband did not choose this disease. It just is. I feel like I have a choice to fight it and wring my hands or accept the challenge and make plans to ensure our wellbeing and make the most of our time together. I will be heartbroken when he's gone and don't want to have any regrets regarding my behavior. I have had to make adjustments and explore various options to meet this challenge including initially having strangers from a care agency sit with him from 11pm to 7am so I could get some much need sleep. Now I have a dear friend who moved in with us to sit with him Monday through Friday and I take Saturday and Sunday nights. It is working well for us. I know he needs me to be at his side to comfort him when he is confused or anxious. I make sure that he is safe, fed nutritious food, sees all him doctors and as many of his friends and family as possible even if that means calling them and asking them to come over to say HI and have a cup of coffee with us. I am hoping that he stays in this stage as long as possible but even if he no longer knows me, he will always be with me no matter what that looks like.