Just a word of wisdom?? to those who feel alone or wonder if they are doing the right thing. I cared for him at home about 3 years before my family and I decided I could no longer do it. I am 84 this next week, and he was unable to walk over 6 feet with his walker, and at 80 I was loading his wheelchair in our car every time we left the house.

My church family, DAR sisters, other people who are in organizations that I belonged to and had to set a side while caring for my husband while he was still home with me, were great listeners and givers of support while we have been traveling this journey for about 5 years now. He is now in a wonderful care center in a small town about 45 miles from my home, but I am able to visit every other day, and although he sleeps most of the time I am there, I know he is well cared for. I have been able to go back to meeting with my friends at least once a month for lunch with a couple groups and I try to attend church every week even on the days I visit him. They are great support and gives me a little respite from the cares that could overwhelm me.

I also have always maintained hobbies, sewing, quilting, genealogy, reading, etc. even when I was teaching full time, and when I retired I did visit some places without my husband if he had no interest in them. I'm glad I was able to do that and we both enjoyed may places together. They are always good memories.

He is 89 and has been at the care center for over 2 years now, so I am living a slightly different life, but enjoy each day as it comes.