I am excited to start blogging regularly. I want to write about what God is teaching us on our faith journey. Most of you know that my wonderful husband of nearly 42 years, was diagnosed three years ago with Fronto-temporal dementia. This disease has affected almost every part of his life. He no longer can drive or even help me with directions to places that he used to know quite well. He is always saying, "I'm sure glad that you know where you are going." This could be on the way to church or to the house on Addison where we lived for six years. Tasks are difficult because he can't remember what he is doing half way through a project. He can't follow more than one direction at a time and even that can be overwhelming. Reading is slow and he often doesn't comprehend what he is reading. It is heartbreaking to see my bright, articulate husband deteriorate little by little. When I become overwhelmed with sorrow, I remember that God planned for our marriage to go through this struggle. It isn't a surprise to God and more than that - He has a perfect plan for our story. If our love story can be an encouragement to others, it will be worth it all.
For the most part, Rich is cheery and keeps himself busy organizing things around the house that we share with the Watson family. We are so grateful that they have included us in their everyday lives! Sometimes, it is hard for our son-in-law, Brent, because Rich likes to rearrange the garage in a manner that makes sense to him but not to Brent:-)
We moved to a brand new home in Middleton about 20 minutes from our previous home in Caldwell. We love the neighborhood and our neighbors! I especially like that it is a safe place for Rich to walk or ride his bike. Our old house was on a dead end street and in order to ride his bike, he had to cross a very busy street (or ride on it). He loves the sidewalks and paths that surround our new home. He also loves to sit on our beautiful front porch and watch the activity that unfolds around us. It is his favorite spot to sit, drink coffee or soda and drink in the sun.
I recently reread a book called "a Promise Kept" by Robertson McQwilkin. It is the true account of a godly man who cares for his wife with Alzheimer's Dementia. He was the president of a Christian college in the Eastern United States when she was diagnosed and eventually he resigns to care for her full time. It is a sweet book and it has been an encouragement to me. I pray that God will continue to bless our marriage and the vows that we made to each other. God gave Robertson the grace and patience to lovingly care for his wife for 20 years after her diagnosis. With God's help, I want to joyfully care for Rich with love that continues to grow! I do not know what our story will be but I know that God is writing it and it will be beautiful! Praise His name!
For the most part, Rich is cheery and keeps himself busy organizing things around the house that we share with the Watson family. We are so grateful that they have included us in their everyday lives! Sometimes, it is hard for our son-in-law, Brent, because Rich likes to rearrange the garage in a manner that makes sense to him but not to Brent:-)
We moved to a brand new home in Middleton about 20 minutes from our previous home in Caldwell. We love the neighborhood and our neighbors! I especially like that it is a safe place for Rich to walk or ride his bike. Our old house was on a dead end street and in order to ride his bike, he had to cross a very busy street (or ride on it). He loves the sidewalks and paths that surround our new home. He also loves to sit on our beautiful front porch and watch the activity that unfolds around us. It is his favorite spot to sit, drink coffee or soda and drink in the sun.
I recently reread a book called "a Promise Kept" by Robertson McQwilkin. It is the true account of a godly man who cares for his wife with Alzheimer's Dementia. He was the president of a Christian college in the Eastern United States when she was diagnosed and eventually he resigns to care for her full time. It is a sweet book and it has been an encouragement to me. I pray that God will continue to bless our marriage and the vows that we made to each other. God gave Robertson the grace and patience to lovingly care for his wife for 20 years after her diagnosis. With God's help, I want to joyfully care for Rich with love that continues to grow! I do not know what our story will be but I know that God is writing it and it will be beautiful! Praise His name!
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