I have been looking back of some of the old posts I have printed out and saved over the past year or so and I came across one where everyone gave a brief description of themselves and their situation. It was started by Colleen on March 9, 2005. We have SO MANY new people recently - I thought it might be appropriate to do this again. It is great to print off and go back to see just "where someone is coming from" when you read new posts from that person. Most of us tell a little of our story when we post -but with so many new people it is hard to keep up with - so if we would just each list our names(board name and maybe - real first name) then a sentence or two about our situation. I hope EVERYONE will participate so that we can have one consolidated list. Thanks for doing this.
Sally

Since I started this I will go first.

My name is Sally and I am 49 years old and live in Chattannoga TN with my husband of 23 years and my 80 year old mother who has AD. Mom has lived with us for the past 7 years. My husband who is 15 years older than me retired last February to take care of Mom full time. I still work full time. Mom is in late stage 6 and we have Hospice helping us now - they have been coming for 3 months. Mom is totally incontinent - and needs total supervision. She can feed herself , but not much more than that. My husband is an angel sent from God. I don't know of too many men who would basically "give up" there retirement years to be a full time caregiver for their Mother in law. I of course do my best to relieve him at night and on weekends. We have a sitter who comes once a week for three hours - so that he can get out and have some time to himself. We go NO WHERE and DO NOTHING TOGETHER. It is always with Mom or we don't do it. I have two sisters and a brother. My brother has not called or come to see Mom in two years (he lives 3 hours away). One of my sister's comes every three months to visit for a weekend. She will insist on my husband and I going out to dinner by ourselves. She is 6 hours away and has two 15 year old daughters at home. My other sister is also 6 hours away and never comes or helps. Well, I said to keep the synopsis brief and I think I have gone on too long. Looking forward to hearing from the rest of you.

Sally

My name is Kelly, I live in Western Massachusetts with my husband of twelve years, our three daughters and his grandmother who has AD. Gram is 80 and was diagnosed about five years ago, she is mid-stage six. My daughters are 12, 11 and 8. My 11 y/o has Autism. Our life is anything but dull.

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My name is Nancy, I live in Robinson, Illinois with my husband, son age 29, grandmother 97 aka Granny, 9 dogs and 4 cats. My husband was in the hospital last year with blood clots in his legs and lung, then he had surgery for 2 hernias, was off work for 8 months. He just got back to work in January, I have fibromyalgia and on disability. I take around 23 pills a day to function. My son Joshua, oh he is my God send. If not for him I don't know what I would do. My grandmother came to live with us after my mom died of lung cancer in 2004. Everyone - doctors told me that she would only live a couple of months, that was 17 months ago. Needless to say our life is pretty messed up at times but I thank God that I have a life and all the friends that I do. I also have a website that is for pets and human memorials that I set up due to the losses of my dad and brother in the beginning and then my mom.

Hi, I live on the coast of North Carolina. My husband has had Alz. for over 12 years. I also care for a severly Bipolar daughter and am raising a beautiful 5 year old great-granddaughter with whom God has truely blessed me.

hi Sally,
I am 48 this week. I work as a clinical research nurse coordinator at a major university hospital in Philadelphia. I am married for 21 years with 2 children, a boy 19 and a girl 17. My LO's with dementia (note the plural) are 1. my Aunt, 89, that moved in to an apartment in our house 19 years ago after my uncle died and 2. my mom, 85, who has a frontal/pick's type dementia. She lives with my sister in Harrisburg PA. Two others that are important in our lives are our dogs, Mac and Lucy. Nice to know you!

My husband Bob and I (Dinah) live in deep south Texas with our two dogs. Bob has Parkinsons, AD, conjestive heart failure and bad kidneys. I guess I would say that he is in the "toddler" stage of AD--can feed himself, is VERY delusional, can't walk or bathe himself, is mostly incontinent and has a bad swallowing problem. I am his 24/7 caregiver at home with an aide who comes to help him shower each morning.

My name is Deborah. I helped care for my father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Sept. 1999. Along with my brothers and my mother we cared for him at his home and then with daily visits to a nearby nursing home. My father passed away peacefully in March of 2002. One of my brother's, who was dad's guardian angel, took his own life a few months later.
I am the author of Into the Mist, a book for Alzheimer's caregivers which brings together the experiences of three Alz. families, reserachers, Psychologists and a Geriatric Case Manager. I am a former art teacher, hospice care giver, Q.M.R.P., Art Therapist for an Adult daycare and MOM. I'm on the Illinois Task force for Suicide Prevention and I'm an advocate for Alzheimer's care givers and Suicide survivors. I have two grown up daughters, an incredible son-in-law and five granchildren. My husband and I live in Southern Illinois. My website is www.intothemist.us My horse, Sierra is my mental health therapy

Sally,
First I'd like to say, can we keep this at the top with the disclaimers? Then when new people log on they can "sign in". Just a thought.

My name is Carol, we live in San Jose, California. My husband, John is the one with AD. He's 52 years old, recently went out on disability at work and is no longer able to drive. John is in the mid-stages.

We have our 4 daughters living with us, and 2 significant others and our granddaughter. Yes, that's 9. Our girls are 28 yo, 26 yo, 7 yo, and 5 yo. Our granddaughter is 6 yo. Our 26 yo is bipolar also. Our littlest was a shaken baby that we adopted, who has development delays and ADHD. Our 7 yo, also adopted, was drug exposed at birth, also has a little ADHD.
I'm a nurse, in the past I've worked in the neonatal intensive care unit at Packard Children's, but now I teach full time in a nursing program.
I guess that's about it. Thanks for giving us an opportunity to meet everyone.
Carol

Hi,

I'm Charlotte and live in Fairbanks Alaska. I am a speech-language pathologist working in a private practice clinic part time after retiring from the school district here in 2004. My father died in April 2004 of congestive heart failure and other cardiac issues. He was a wonderful husband to my mother for 56 years and left very large shoes for me to fill. My mom is very mild (for now) dementia and recently had a work up at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale AZ. They said she was still Mild Cognitive Impaired at this point according to their protocols. My mom is 77, doesn't drive but manages to keep quite busy with the senior group here as well as the Kiwanis. Both groups have my deep appreciation for how good they are to her. Otherwise, we do everything else together. I am lucky--she is great and easy to be with.

I have enjoyed my connection to all on this forum and think the introduction is a great idea.

Charlotte

Hi,
My name is Marilynn, I am 44 years old and live in Santa Barbara, CA. I worked full time prior to my caregiving activities. I am an only child and chose to move in with my Mom and Dad about 2 years ago. My Mom is legally blind and Dad has Stage 3-4 AD and they both don't drive. He is beginning to show signs of not wanting to eat, food sticking in his throat, not remembering who I am and paranoia with bouts of aggression and arguing (with words that don't make any sense). He is on Aracept and Namenda. I get out of the house 6 days a month to either work or take a "spa" day for my mental health, while Mom looks after him (she is a retired Nurse). I am in no means past my anger and frustration. My Mom and I pray every day when we get up, because every day is a whole new experience for us. I now see firsthand that I gave myself way too much credit and thought I could handle it all myself. That's why I am here because I need support and hope that I can offer words of comfort from my past experiences, too.

I'm Robin - I'm 57 years old and live in Central VT with my 80 year old husband of 29 years (today). We have a 21 year old son who'll be graduating from college in May. He's in Boston and loves it there. This forum is my lifeline.

Hello all...

My name is Chris & I live in Irwin, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh. I'm 54 on Sat. & have been married to George for 10 years. He's 82 & was diagnosed last fall. I care for my two grandkids, Evan (22 months) & Avarie (10 months) 3 days a week. I also take care of my 75 year old mother, who doesn't drive & depends on me (she moved here from CA after her husband died & didn't bother to make new friends). I'm supposed to be her friend. My brother & sisters want nothing to do with her. (whole 'nother story!) My week seems to have a certain rhythym to it. I am very involved with my church & love to garden (& then can what we grow) George's kids are nearby, but basically hands-off. I'm sure if I had an emergency they would come over.

That's my story. It's nice to "flesh out" stories of those who post. It's great to learn about everyone.

Adieu...

Chris G.

Hi I'm Susan,57 and my MIL is 82 in stage5/6 AD. My husband(her only child) and I live between Dallas and Fort Worth and my MIL lives in her home outside Atlanta. MY hubby and I are long distance caregivers...She has a live- in caregiver, a dear Sister-in-law who tends to the banking, bill paying,prescription filling and generally loves her to death. We can not move...and she will not leave her friends and extended family to come here. I come to the board to learn all I can from the wonderful folks here, and am in awe of what you all do for your LO's. I was a full time caregiver 10 years ago for my Dad so I do know some of the difficulties everyone is facing. I'm glad to "know" you all. Susan

Hi, this is Rain. I'm 53 and married with two children who are grown and have one grandchild. I had to stop working last summer to care for dad. I am my father's buddy. He's 78 and at the end of middle-stage and happy most of the time (but boy, is he stubborn sometimes!) We've been tracking his decline for about eight years, and have participated in several alzheimer studies in the past six years. Currently he lives with daughter #1 who is a nurse. Last summer we sold our home and moved into an apartment half a block away, when it became clear that he could not take care of himself.

We recently purchased a home in Texas-big enough for all of us. Life is an adventure sometimes. We barely had enough time to get used to the empty nest..and here we go again. Dad is a wonderful human being, who loved adventures and loved his fellow man. Always rooted for the underdog. He worked hard all of his life, and deserves so much more than I can ever do for him.
I am the keeper of his memories.

This is where I come to get centered. We take turns holding the lantern as we travel down this misty path of alzheimers. Where there is no roadmap, we have each other.
((((HUGS)))
Rain

Not my real name-but have issues with annoying sibs who do not have a clue about this disease nor do they care to get educated about it. ('whole other story)

Hi Sally, I remember the thread from last March and I am so glad you did this again. Thank you.

My name is Debbie, I am 55, not married, and I come to the forum to try and share some of what I learned and to generally try to lend my support. I cared for my father with Alz. for about 10 years, I lost him last March, shortly after joining the forum. I care for my mother, she is 83 and has FSHMD, a type of Muscular Dystrophy. She is now mostly confined to bed. I am part-owner of a quilt shop on the southern coast of Oregon. With the laptop computer, and the woman I hired to stay with mom 4 days a week, I have been able to keep the business, but it has been hard to find the time to keep working and to care for my parents. Some days it just feels like I am pulled in too many directions. It is nice to meet all of you.

Woops, I didn't mean to lie about my age, I truly forgot I had a birthday a couple of months ago. It must be the stress. I am 56.

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Hi, My name is Chris. My husband, my 2 sons (age 10 yrs and 11 mo) live w/ my 87 yr old MIL who has stage 5-6 AD. I work full time (4 days per week) as an insurance agent, and my hubby is basically disabled. We have a caregiver that comes in to help w/ my MIL while I am at work, and another young lady who helps my husband with the baby. We live in the suburbs outside Los Angeles. My Sister-in-laws (2) are completely hands-off the situation, and have resented that we live in Mom's house. This forum has brought me friendships with people who don't think I am nuts for trying to help someone w/ AD.

I'll call myself "L" I am 25 and "Rain's" second daughter, I prefer that rather than daughter #2 haha I live in Hawaii with my husband and daughter who is almost 21 months old, going on 18!

I have been gone since my grandpa's diagnosis. I think my role in this family has become my mom's rock and shoulder to lean on and vent to. I cannot physically be there to help out, but I know the support and daily phone conversations with my mom mean everything, and lift her up so she is able to re-focus on keeping tabs on grandpa. I know my daughter will be that rock I need when my mom needs me.

I love you second daughter!

Rain

Hi all ..nice reading your story

Mine : My name is Margaret I am 47 years old I live in London UK , I have 4 children 3 girls 19,20,21, & a boy 25 I am a full time career to My mother & now my brother .

Daughters Live with me son Just got his own place .

3 years ago after I spilt from my husband of 18 years my father died 3 weeks later leavening my mother who was diagnosed with AZ a year later & a brother who is 49 & sycophantic .My mother took my brother & retried to Gibraltar to live with her sister after my father died .I had to leave my full time job & my teenager & live in Gibraltar which trun out to be a year work full time & look after them both & a untie , I thought I could balance it all until my daughter who was at university came to visit us & had a fit later was diagnosed with epilepsy ,so

I brought my mother back in September 04, left my brother in Gibraltar with my untie, untie died Jan 06 ,I went back to Gibraltar mum went in a care home for the duration of the time I was in Gibraltar to bring my brother back & sort out my untie funeral .so now brother is living with us till they sort out housing support for him & I must not forget I have a lovely Staffordshire dog who love to fight with other dog he does not like see me as a soft touch at night as I am the only one that lets him sleep in there bed .

This is nice...
My name is Bonnie, I live in San Antonio, Tx. I am 48. I divorced my husband of almost 25 years 4 years ago. I have a daughter 28, a daughter 25 and a son who is 19. My son lives at home with me. My daughters are married, the oldest has the most beautiful little girl on the face of the planet (unbiased Nana opinion, I assure you) and my youngest daughter will have her first baby in April. My Mother is almost 88, I moved her in with me after her diagnosis of AD in Sept 03. I have one brother who is a missionary in Mexico. I work full time and someone comes into the home and cares for Mom 3 days a week, two days a week I take her to daycare. I am her caregiver when I am not at work.
This place is my lifeline, my sanity. I have new friends- that understand what I am going through. Y'all are worth your weight in gold to me.

This is fun, although I just mostly lurk being a newbie...

My name is Catherine...everyone calls me either Cat, Kitty or Kitten. I am 34 years old and live in Kansas City, MO. My mother is 58 years old, and was diagnosed at 55, with EOAD. I am married, with two stepkidlets. If I am not working 50 hour weeks, I am taking care of Mom, or researching Alzheimer's Disease, or writing letters to congress, or my local law enforcement to utilize different programs that would benefit Alzheimer's patients. I also am the owner of an online support group dedicated to Early Onset Alzheimer's.

I guess that's it.

I'm karen---I live with my husband and twin daughters - I am the caregiver to my 77 year old mother who on good days it's no big deal however, on bad days........anyone want a 77 y/o lady who has disowned all her children & hates us all. I live in Washington State and currently am learning what it is like to be a caregiver & fight with sibs over what is right and wrong. It's been a battle but I am hopeing that someday they will reconize that mom isn't as bad as they have always thought that there are things that happen. Granted after a phone call and hang up (several) I don't know where I stand on it. I find that this board answers several questions I encounter and have wonderful people. Well that is all ----and yes I am a rambler and yes I don't do the paragraph thing to well either. But I am here karen

ttt

I live in NC and work in the medical field. My mom lives with me and I am also responsible for her sister who is in a nursing home. Lots of responsibility and lots of stress! To Twice Blessed: Are you near Wilmimgton? I don't post very often,but do keep up with everyone. .Thank you Sally for asking about everyone

Hi, I am new to the system. My name is Wanda, I live in NE Oklahoma with my 63 year old Husband, (diagnosed 7/05 with AD early stages)my daughter, her two kids, 12 & 2. Retired social worker, and can't find a job in this area. they don't use social workers. I wonder why I went back to college. ha When I watch the board, I learn a lot. Thanks

My name is Ruthie and I am a Speech and Language Pathologist. I work in the public schools with noverbal and autistic children. I helped care for my Mom who had Alzheimers for 8 years until her death this past July. My Dad is 86 and lives with my brother. He has many physical ailments but a wonderful, sharp mind. Over the 8 years of Mom's illness I learned acceptance and love and grew as a person. My Mom was a wonderful person and her love lives on inside of my heart and soul. I have tremendous respect for all of you caring for your loved ones and know the struggles that you face. I do not post often but read the board every day and contribute when I feel I have something to offer. It is a way to "give back" to others and a sort of legacy to my Mom.
Ruthie

My name is Patty (Patsy is my childhood name), I am 65, husband is just about to retire from being a med school professor, have three kids, oldest a boy, and five grandkids, our son and his wife and two little boys live near us. I'm an only child. My mom has a mixed alzheimer and vascular dementia. She was a very strong willed, controlling person, very pretty and charming, and we had a lot of fun together as long as I didn't buck the system. I brought her to MO from CA after my dear stepdad suddenly died. She is in a facility and doing quite well - her routine is really very much what she was doing in her home. We are currently not having any serious problems, knock on wood! I love to garden, paint, read, etc. but obviously don't have as much time to do it as I used to. When the kids were at home, I did girl scouts, cub scouts, volunteer stuff and tried to make do so I didn't have to work at a job.

Dear Robin,
Congratulations on your anniversary. We've been married 31 years.
Carol

quote:

Originally posted by rob:
I'm Robin - I'm 57 years old and live in Central VT with my 80 year old husband of 29 years (today). We have a 21 year old son who'll be graduating from college in May. He's in Boston and loves it there. This forum is my lifeline.

L aka second daughter,

I know how you feel, I was always daughter #3.
I worked as a temp at my dad's company, I was never introduced as myself. I was always, Bill's daughter, ........Carol. My name became an after thought.
I'm glad you are your mother's rock. I have 4 daughters and they each supply a different part of that support.
Blessings,
Carol

quote:

Originally posted by LB117:
I'll call myself "L" I am 25 and "Rain's" second daughter, I prefer that rather than daughter #2 haha I live in Hawaii with my husband and daughter who is almost 21 months old, going on 18!

I have been gone since my grandpa's diagnosis. I think my role in this family has become my mom's rock and shoulder to lean on and vent to. I cannot physically be there to help out, but I know the support and daily phone conversations with my mom mean everything, and lift her up so she is able to re-focus on keeping tabs on grandpa. I know my daughter will be that rock I need when my mom needs me.

Cat,
Could you give the website? My husband has EOAD, he's 52 yo.
Thanks,
Carol

quote:

Originally posted by KittyCat:
This is fun, although I just mostly lurk being a newbie...

My name is Catherine...everyone calls me either Cat, Kitty or Kitten. I am 34 years old and live in Kansas City, MO. My mother is 58 years old, and was diagnosed at 55, with EOAD. I am married, with two stepkidlets. If I am not working 50 hour weeks, I am taking care of Mom, or researching Alzheimer's Disease, or writing letters to congress, or my local law enforcement to utilize different programs that would benefit Alzheimer's patients. I also am the owner of an online support group dedicated to Early Onset Alzheimer's.

I guess that's it.

Hi to all my name is Dana Kay and I care for my Mother with AD she is 78 years old. I have cared for her about a year and a half, my father took care of her until he died of cancer. I have a wonderful husband, two sweet daughters who are 11 and 8, a sister who helps (and will take care of Mom for two months this summer to give us a break), two brothers who are mostly worried about how much money they will get when Mom is gone, and an older brother who is far away but calls often to offer emotional support. I also have a relief caregiver who comes into our home about 15 hours per week to give me time to myself. I visit the board when I can but when I'm home life is very busy. Nice to read about all of you and your lives.
DanaK

Hi, I am WildHair,good name for me. My hubby and I have my Mom here and have had her for 2 years. She is probably 6th stage and rather pleasant, she is happy in her own world everybody knows her there lol's. We get a break now and then but I feel I need more, I pray for patience. We live in Colorado and my horse Cisco is my best buddy to get away from it all.

Hi my name is Peg, im 34,i am married, have to boys ages 8 and 4, i am also the co caregiver along with my Dad, for my mom who was diagnosed with Early Onset AD in 2003 at the age of 61. I am guessing that Mom has had the disease since 1996. The past few years has been a struggle for the family.I have been reading about the stages of the disease and i think that mom might be in between 4 or 5. also KittyCat if you would post the website, i would be interested in checking it out.

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MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER SINCE WE WERE 16 AND MARRIED FOR 55YRS. ON FEB.18TH. HE WAS A PILOT AND ONE OF THE FIRST MISSILE OFFICERS AND WE HAVE 5 CHILDREN,11 GRANDCHILDREN,AND 12 GREATGRANDCHILDREN.UPON LEAVING THE AIR FORCE HE TAUGHT HISTORY IN HIGH SCHOOL. WE TRAVELED AFTER RETIREMENT IN 1992 UNTIL HE BEGAN TO HAVE MEMORY PROBLEMS IN 1996. HE WAS GIVEN A WORKING DIAGNOSIS OF AD IN 2000. WAS IN TWO NH'S AS OF 2003 AND HAS BEEN IN A VA HOME SINCE 2004. I WAS A SPEECH PATHOLOGIST AND ALSO TAUGHT LEARNING DISABLED CHILDREN. I NOW HAVE PARKINSON'S DISEASE. I AM WRITING A BOOK ON VARIOUS EXPERIENCES WITH AD (DAY CARE, DRUGS, NH'S, PSYCH WARDS, AND GENERAL ADVOCACY. I HAVE SEVERAL POEMS WRITTEN ON AD TO INCLUDE IN MY BOOK. I AM PRESIDENT OF OUR FAMILY COUNCIL IN THE VA HOME.

I am 44yrs old,married with a 15 yr old daughter. I have a brother who teaches law enforcement (75 miles away) and a sister who is on SSI disability due to mental health issues (60 miles away). I live in Grand Junction COLORADO. I work full time at an animal hospital and am the office manager there until I lose my job due to stress.
My mom is 74 and was/is? an alcoholic but has forgotten this. She was placed in an Alzheimer Special Care Facility on Jan 7 06 by my father --77 and an alcoholic (who has not forgotten). They lived 60 miles from Grand Junction and my Dad was unable/unwilling to care for mom and she had gotten especially bad around christmas--calling (she hasnt really dialed a phone for months) people about the strange man in her house (dad). She is stage 5-6 but not incontinent and able to take care of herself fairly well. She is very bad with time- a day is at least a week to her, is unable to read or write but can still knit (potholders now). At home she wasn't eating because Dad would ask her and of course she would say no--but will usually eat everything put in front of her. She looks pretty healthy and has recently started not "matching her clothes" but able to dress herself sometimes only with luck.
So now she is in Grand Junction, very close to me and I have her dog Murphy who she loves and misses more than anything else. We visit most every day. Dad in the meantime has joined the Masonic Lodge and is enjoying the Elks Lodge bar and eating out everynight and is selling all of moms possesions on Ebay. He visits about every other week.
My brother has been driving down every Saturday to visit and brings mom McDonalds and she like that alot.
My sister is not speaking to my dad because of him putting her in the place and wants to have him arrested. She has not been able to visit because she has a crappy car and can only come if she has a ride.
I am having a difficult time with this--going back and forth between wanting her there and not although I do not know how I could take care of her at my home (emotionally). At the moment I am not that happy with her care but we are waiting for a room to open on the wing where the patients are not so bad-at this time she is where the more advanced patients are because that was all they had. I am hoping that this may make a difference.
I love animals and my teenage daughter is driving me as nuts as the situation with my mom. Everyday I cant decide which is worse.

Hello All, I am Patricia, Mother to Karen Ann who made this journey with her MIL until late last year. Thank you for all helping her through this. I am 64, LOL and my second husband and I have 4 children between us and 5 grandchildren. My own ALZ journey with my dear Father was from 1978 to 2000. We also took care of my MIL with cancer until she passed in 1996.

Blessings to you all and between us, we all help one another cope with this roller coaster of a ride.

Hi, I am Megan, 54 years old, widowed in 1999 - my husband of 27 yrs had a coronary - we have a daughter, 29, who now lives in Florida. Worked full time as a development director for a large non-profit agency until leaving my home and position to move into my parents house in Sept. 2004, just prior to my Dad's death. Mom had temporal arteritis in 1996, which has resulted in "Alzheimer-like dementia". Dad cared for Mom with me providing respite 3-4 times each week. Mom is probably late stage 4 and requires full time, constant care; she doesn't really know who I am or where she is most of the time, although she is still pretty good at faking it. I am with her 24/7, with 3 hours off each Wednesday evening. I am an only child, so don't have the family dynamics. I am pretty new and have come to appreciate the people who post on this board very much. Thank you for sharing your experience and caring. I also am glad to become better acquainted with each of you by offering my story.

ttt

Hi I'm Livia! I live in PA with my wonderful hubby, 9 yo. daughter & twin 6yo. sons. We both work, hubby time and a half, me 6 hours a day.
Dad 79yo., was living in MA in senior subsidized housing, alone in his own apt. He was slowly showing signs of dementzia and wouldn't come to live in housing closer to us. I arranged for him to go to daycare and got approved for nursing and homecare to provide services on a daily basis. This went on for about 6 months and I was called in by his caseworker to say that they wanted to take over guardianship to put him in a NH.

I was shocked that things weren't working out as it was! After a week of intense search I found a NH relatively near me. I drove up (6 hour drive) told Dad he's coming for a trip to my house. He is always willing to go for a drive.. even to the moon! I never told him the truth... but I had told him before and he refused to budge. So this is how I got him to come. Now he is here and he is very happy to see me and his family twice a week instead of twice a year.

Jim Brian, 67 year old caregiver to my wife of 47 years, she is 63 years old. I wish I had the most eleoquent of words to describe my wife, she is a beautiful person spiritually and physically and she made my world a better place, and I have devoted the rest of my life to her as a 24/7 caregiver, I have put aside my wants and needs to take care of her, she would have done the same for me.
We have two daughters 46 and 40 and they give me some respite help each week. My wife was diagnosed in 2000 with a combination of AD and Lewy Body Disease and she is in the latter stages, she can no longer, walk, see, feed herself, or talk, oh she can say a few words when she can find the right words to say. She no longer knows her children and she probably wouldn`t know me if I wasn`t with her 24/7, she is totally dependent on me for all her needs.
I play guitar, violin and keyboard, self taught and I have written a few songs over the years, but in 2004 I wrote "The Last Valley" in tribute to my wife and it is the only song I have had professionally recorded. My wife dosen`t remember a lot of things, but she still gets emotional when she hears "The Last Valley", because she knows I wrote it to her. My wife and I were born and raised in southern Arkansas, lived 43 years in Pasadena,Tx. Just a thought.

Artist of the song "The Last Valley" in tribute to my wife in the latter stages of AD.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/7/jimbrian_music.htm (Vocals David Gee)

http://www.holyisthelamb.com/faithflash.html (The Last Valley)

To CC: Yes I live in New Bern.

To carewife: my sister was one of the first 10 women chosen to fly the Airforce Jets. She later taught, but is now retired.

My name is Lucy and I live in Southern Alabama. I am married and have 3 daughters ages 16, 15, and 9. My 16 year old is bipolar and can be quite a handful at times. Otherwise they all are healthy, beautiful and brillant. (couldn't ever tell I was a proud mama, could ya?) My husband retired from the Navy last year after 22 years of service. I have spent the majority of our marriage as a stay at home parent and best friend to my girls. I also love animals and do volunteer animal rescues/adoptions and provide foster-care for them in my home. I currently have 4 dogs and a rabbit as my personal companions.

My mother is at the mid-to-later stages of Alz, at the age of 68. After many years of caring for her, in her home, I placed her in a Alz unit last June. She also has a lot of other health/mental issues to go along with the Alz.

Currently, I am the board representative on "How not to take care of yourself, while caring for your LO", so I beg everyone that comes here to...Take Care Of Yourself, Regardless Of Everything Else!

Blessings to all that come to our on-line home,

Hi My name is Mandy , I live in B.C Canada , I have a darling Grandmother who has been dealing with AD for over 3 years now . I owe my Grandmother so much for all the love and lifes lessons she allowed me to gain , I only wish i could stop her proggression . She has always been such the warmest person . When My mother and father divorced My Gram took my brother and I and taught us all about what love and caring was . She would take me to the homes and help out old friends who needeed it . So I guess thats why I love my job , Im accustom to it . Dealing with a very close loved one though does start different emotions in me , Like the Whys and even knowing better , how can we try and fix it . But really all I can do is educate my family for My grams sake to allow her to continue to live in a understanding family . ( which has been tough due to my family still being in disbilief ). But all I can do is take 1 day at a time and go on .

quote:

My gram gave me life i give it back

I just had to reply and tell you how touched I am by this.

What a great idea. I also mainly "lurk", but I learn alot that way. I am not as far along in my journey as most of you are.

I am 54 years old, married and living 2 1/2 hrs away from the rest of my family. My husband is a builder, and I sell real estate and do his books and run the office. He has been very understanding (most of the time) about all of the time and energy I have spent away over the past year or so.

My single sister Laurie (age 53)was diagnosed Dec. 2004. Since then she has left her job and quit driving. We have gotten her financial & legal affairs in order, sold her house and moved her into a small apartment, within 5 minutes from other family members. My son (only child) who is married (wife is mentally disabled as a result of brain anyurism) with 4 year old grandson lives nearby, and also our mother (72 years old) who lives with diabled youngest sister (50 yrs.old). We also have a brother who lives 30 minutes away, who does help out.

I spend most of my time, when I am not there worrying about everything and feeling guily because Mom has to do so much, and second guessing everything I have done. When I am there I feel bad about pushing so much off on my husband. The last year has really affected our businesses.

This forum has been a real eye opener. Laurie's living situtation will probably have to change shortly but we are trying to let her be as independent as long as possible. My Mom and I sometimes wonder if it was the right thing, so we just go day by day and hope her meds keep things manageable for awhile.

Candi, I'm glad you introduced yourself! It is hard to judge how long a patient can remain independent. It means watching them very closely. My husband is into his 12th year and doing well. One never knows.

Hi, just call me Mrs. S. We live just south of Fayetteville, AR. I am 52 (I still laugh when I say my age, because I can't imagine where the years have gone!). I am caregiver to my wonderful Christian husband of 20 years. He is 70 and has AD. We just celebrated our anniversary on 2/1. We both were married previously. I have one 32-year-old daughter who lives in the Seattle area, and my stepchildren are a 39-year-old stepdaughter in Colorado and 37-year-old stepson in New Mexico. We also have three grandsons, and I am hoping one day for a granddaughter! We are planning to move to Colorado this year, to be closer to family. Besides my stepdaughter, my mother, brother, and dear childhood friend live there and want to help with Bill's care. I work from home as a medical transcriptionist and have some pretty long and, many times, strange hours. I am determined to keep my husband at home with me for as long as I am able, and reading your posts has given me encouragement to keep trying. Right now, he is in the moderate stages. At times, he insists on going "home," which requires my driving him around (up to three hours sometimes) until he forgets why we're out. We also live with three very spoiled kitties who keep us laughing and who are very affectionate. Runtley, if you will recall is the "purr therapist" in our town of Hope.

It is a real privilege to be a part of this community. This disease is so very difficult, and I thank you all for your support and prayers. God does answer those prayers.

God bless you all,
Mrs. S

hi im rose..and i live in worcester,ma..i am a caregiver for my mother ..who is 92 yrs old
i am the only caregiver..i just joined today.
really need ppl to talk to..im 53 yrs old..have 2 children ..who are grown..one of which is still at home..my son

well i do everything for my mom..except bathing..we have aides, but i help out with it also..she doesnt walk anymore or feed herself..its very hard..she doesnt even know who i am.sure hope i can find some friends here ..to help me feel..human again..im very lost

my best friend moved to tenn...she use to help me so much..but now its been a yr and i feel so alone..no one understands
cant go anywhere.except thursdays..i get 4hrs off..big deal..no car so how far can i go

dont know what else to add..just want to get to know ppl with the same problem..i've been on other boards but not for this disease

thanks