Husband's last camping trip

Husband's last camping trip

Monday, March 23, 2015

Glory be to God

I have been talking to God a lot lately.  A lot.  And my Mom.  A lot.  My heart is heavy and as I type these words, tears keep falling.

You see, I have come to the difficult decision to place husband in a facility.  It's time.  For his sake as well as mine.  And for his safety.

Last week, husband got up in the middle of the night and wandered into the bathroom.  Somehow, he fell backwards into the bathtub, hitting his head and his right arm hit the bathtub faucet, bending it and putting an awful bruise on his arm.  It took Kristen and I about an hour to get him out of the tub.

It was then I began talking to God and my Mom.

I have given this journey 5 years.  5 long years.  I thought I could do it.  "I'm strong," I would tell myself.  "God has trusted me with this," I'd say.  "I take my wedding vows seriously," I'd try to convince myself.  "Remember the promise you made to him, that long ago day, Day of Diagnosis, that you would never place him in a home?" I'd remind myself.

Now, like today, with him sleeping in the bedroom, I try to imagine him gone, in a home.  I get a peaceful feeling, along with such great sadness.

So, now begins the process.  My first stop is Social Security Friday morning.  Because I am his Rep & Payee, he doesn't need to be there.  With him having Medicare and supplemental Humana Insurance, I was told by someone who knows, that I will not lose his benefits, but, will pay a monthly co-pay.  Medicare and Humana will absorb most of the cost.  So, I will go and get all my ducks in a row to find out what my options are.

Next stop will be finding a home.  I want to make sure wherever I place him, that he will be well cared for.

I spoke with his nurse this morning, telling her of my decision.  She agrees and said it was time.  She is bringing me some names of places she knows that are outstanding.  She did mention that I should place him in an Alzheimer's Care Facility.  That way, he will be around people special like him.

I know my husband will hate me for this.  But, once I've made up my mind, there's no changing it.  I can't let the fear of him hating me stop me.  I know once he's there and gets used to it, he'll be fine.  It's getting him there that scares me.

So, there you have it.  I am breaking my promise to him and placing him.  Only, when I made that promise, I would have no idea what a nightmare this is and how it's taken a real toll on me.

There will be some who disagree with my decision.  Oh well.  They don't live here.  They do not walk in my shoes.  Only I can make this difficult decision.

Please be in prayer with me as I begin this heart wrenching task.  What a journey this has been.  My body, soul and mind are so weary right now.

But, once again.  It's time.  May God and all His Glory be with me.

5 comments:

  1. Oh, what a difficult decision you've had to make, but God bless you for you making the tough choice. I will pray God grants you peace that transcends understanding in this. You know that you've loved & served your husband well, so very well. And your decision comes from a desire to protect & care for him (and yourself.) Should anyone question your decision, I would say they just don't understand. God bless you!! I will pray for strength, guidance, comfort and peace as you move forward in making arrangements and would see God's hand in it all. Hugs to you!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. God bless you! Maybe He placed it in your heart that it was time. You are an amazing wife and person. Not many people could do what you've done, you have been truly amazing. I have you, your husband and family in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and strength in the upcoming weeks, as He has this whole time.
    Hugs from Denver,
    Kelley
    http://tutusandchoochoos.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Praying for you!
    God bless you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Who could question this difficult decision, based solely upon your love for your husband and his needs of safety and care. You are making this hard decision based on what is the best for him despite your reluctance to have to take this necessary step. You have and will continue to show strength and love towards your husband. Praying for peace for you and clarity as you move forward with the next steps.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are amazing. Your God is good. You know yourself, your husband and your life - if the time is right. The time is right. I know you will feel some peace once it is done and both of you have settled into your new season of life. God Bless you!

    ReplyDelete