Therapy Homework: How Caregiving Affects Relationships

Mostly they have become absent, and are busy with their own lives. Some new aquaintances though from all the visits to fill prescriptions, get food and whatnot. I have read that long term illness is when friends become strangers and strangers become friends. A very good book about caregiving is We are Stronger than We Look by Jill Brown.

@judimahoney: Being a caregiver for MCI brings sadness faced with losing my loved one a little more every day. I remind myself that I have many reasons to be grateful that we can still share moments of clarity; however, those fleeting moments are so illusive I can’t say it brings happiness into my life.
To put it in a nutshell: Death comes suddenly - MCI results in a slow, unpredictable pattern that bleeds you to desiring death. dbamos1945

@brn2tch, Caring for your husband, raising three small children and still holding down a teaching position - You Madam are a superhuman. Hopefully you have a very extensive and reliable source of support. Please remember to take care of yourself - read this message that I found online recently; it is a good guid to follow for all caregivers.
Be well and best of luck with all of your missions, you certainly have a full plate.

Interesting theme, Judi. Most difficult of all is the relationship with our loved one. He is just a shadow of his former self. I have made new friends since his diagnosis that are a great support. Lost relationship with some family and have great support from other family members. I guess a mixed bag for sure. Another day of a roller coaster of emotions.

@judimahoney: Being a caregiver for MCI brings sadness faced with losing my loved one a little more every day. I remind myself that I have many reasons to be grateful that we can still share moments of clarity; however, those fleeting moments are so illusive I can’t say it brings happiness into my life.
To put it in a nutshell: Death comes suddenly - MCI results in a slow, unpredictable pattern that bleeds you to desiring death. dbamos1945

Mostly they have become absent, and are busy with their own lives. Some new aquaintances though from all the visits to fill prescriptions, get food and whatnot. I have read that long term illness is when friends become strangers and strangers become friends. A very good book about caregiving is We are Stronger than We Look by Jill Brown.

@porfe81
Friends become strangers and strangers friends; I like that.
So many losses to deal with. It's so hard, isn't it?
Take care and hope you find a little joy in your day. 🦭

We’re in what everyone calls a “unique “ position because he’s 58, I’m 57, and we’re Parenting 2.0 with 3 littles…ages 5, 4, and 2 1/2. We were already dealing with the loss of friends, retirement plans, etc when BAM! Early Onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis this May for him. My world is shrinking all the time. No one knows what to say or do because it’s like a bad joke.😢. This is my 30th year teaching, and he can be by himself for now, so I will continue teaching and raising our kids while managing this new chapter. We have no one. It’s not easy.

@judimahoney Joy may be a bit if a high bar, but I would say Peace better describes it. I have a few reminders that have helped:
1. Don't expect too much.
2. We (my wife and I) take it just one day at a time.
3. Each day is its own season (with ebbs and flows).
4. Tomorrow is a new day.