So Where Do We Go From Here? This is an old thread revisited

Quilting brings calm

Rick, I’m sorry for your family’s loss. Please continue to find joy where you can.

easy23

So sorry for your loss.

Jeanne C.

Peace, comfort and strength to you. You were a warrior for Melissa and you have been a huge help to so many of us. Take care.

ImMaggieMae

Rick, my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear wife. Wishing you peace.

Joe C.

Rick, My sincere condolences on the loss off your wife Melissa. May you find some peace and joy on the road ahead.

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/219807#Comment_219807

Rick, so sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have you. My DH passed peacefully Monday August 12. He was diagnosed in 2021 and I had to place him in memory care in January due to my cancer diagnosis. He moved quickly from Stage 6 to Stage 7. The last 6 weeks he went downhill quickly. I miss him so much it hurts but am thankful he’s no longer suffering. I hope to travel again. We spent the last 20 years traveling in our RV. I will visit family in other states and see our new great grandchildren. I moved in with my daughter & son-in-law so I don’t have a home to care for. I miss that. I like doing genealogy so I’ll start that again. I’d like to volunteer at the VA veterans nursing home where my husband received excellent care but I’m not ready for that yet. I will do things to honor him. We were married almost 39 years. Unfortunately I’ll have scans every 3 months to make sure the cancer isn’t back. Live every moment. Your wife would want that. Sending hugs.

Vitruvius

I hope you adapt quickly to Stage 8, finding new meaning, purpose and enjoyment. I am close behind you and I hope my attitude to the transition is as positive as yours is.

clarinetist

So sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Best of luck in stage 8.

Pat6177

Rick, I’m sorry for your loss. I thank you for reposting this thread as part of letting us know.

Elshack

Rick, Deepest Sympathy to you. I too am in stage 8 as of last Nov. We were married just shy of 40 yrs and he had been in MC for 15 months . Prior to that I took care of him for over 7 yrs and he had brain surgery almost 6 yrs ago and of course that made his Alzheimer's advance. I am in the independent living apartment we shared for 5 yrs as I had to sell the house after his brain surgery and his rehab. The MC was in another bldg next door.

I too am sure I gave him the best care possible. I soon will be 85 and really don't have the resources financially to do any traveling and I also have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome so I am not very peppy. I have family who live far away but they do come to visit every few months. This may sound weird but he is buried in a cemetery that is just a few blocks away. I visit him every so often and am so relieved he no longer has to suffer from this horrible disease. He was diagnosed 7 and 1/2 yrs ago. Truthfully I don't know how I made it physically and of course have had some bouts of crying but I am doing ok now. We had a fabulous life prioe to the diagnosis and he retired at age 58. He died at age 93. I am hoping you too can find some joy in life and it sounds like you are making great strides toward that goal.

JeriLynn66

Peace be with you.

ButterflyWings

@RickM I am just now seeing your post. My heart goes out to you. Even though it is a relief for both you and your precious wife to finally be free of this disease, I am so very sorry — for Dementia Land — for everything it entails.

I wish you peace, health, and the time and space to grieve and recover fully. You have been a great caregiver and spouse to her, and a valued forum mate. Sending virtual hugs at this tough time.

fmb

Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find strength and peace as you continue on your journey.

Denise1847

Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. Peace and strength to you and your family.

White Crane

Rick, I'm sorry about the loss of your Melissa. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.

RickM

Thank you all. Much love. Please do your best to keep from letting this disease take two people down. Make your survival a priority. Your spouse will not survive.

Beachfan

Rick,

As usual, I am late to the party, but I wanted to offer my condolences on the passing of your DW. I am 16 months into stage 8; the grief never leaves, but it’s not debilitating. I think of it as terminal sadness, But there is definitely life after dementia land; there is happiness, joy, and peace if you are open to it. Having been released from the rigors of caregiving, I find solace in the simplest activities. (Coffee on the porch on this glorious August morning.) You will soon, as well. Enjoy your son’s wedding, take one day at a time, and don’t look back. It gets better, I promise. ❤️