Husband's last camping trip

Husband's last camping trip

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Keeping the home fires burning!!

Happy Ground Hog's Day!!  Seems the ground hog saw his shadow, so, we will have 6 more weeks of Winter.  Lovely. 

Moving to Colorado in the summer was a great idea.  I was not really prepared for the Winter here.  Of course, I knew it would be cold.  But, boy is it cold here.  I am actually pretty proud of myself driving in the snow here.   Considering I haven't caused one accident, I think I am adjusting well.

Also, I've become quite the expert in getting and keeping a nice fire going in the fireplace.  Every time I am starting a fire, I think of the contestants on the reality show, Survivor.  Ha, maybe I should apply on that show?  I'd keep the home fires going even in the jungle!!

I know, I know,  we need to "talk" about husband.  Only, I don't want to.  I want to pretend that all is well and I am surviving my first Winter here in the great state of Colorado.

Only I know we can't avoid the subject, right?

Husband, in a nutshell, is declining rapidly now.  Let's see, maybe I should just give you a rundown. 

Here goes:

Eyesight has all but gone.  No longer can he focus on anything.  When I talk to him, he will move his head around, looking for me.  Even when I am right in front of him.

At mealtime, I have to place the fork or spoon in his hand and close his hand for him.  He makes a big mess when eating.  Of course, the dog loves it.

Gets confused in the bathroom.  Cannot distinguish between the toilet and bathtub.  Always tells me the toilet is broken. 

Constantly wets himself.  Even though he wears Protective Underwear, he will pull his pants down and wet his pants.  3-4 times a day.

Speech his garbled at best.  Voice level is getting very soft.  Hard to hear at times.

Legs stiff.  A challenge when dressing and changing him.  My back will never be the same.

Lower lip droops, facial structure elongated.  Holds head in an abnormal angle.

Night terrors.  To date, that is one of the hardest.  They start at sunset and disappear by sunrise.  Some nights are better than others.  He may wander the apartment, or, scream that we need to get out of here, or, a little kid has taken his soda, or, the dog(s) are lost, or, "someone" is bugging him, or, he has to go to work, or, his saw just broke, I could go on and on, those are just a few of the most recent nights.

And me, you ask?

I'm keeping the home fires burning.