Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Biggles

Sailing was what we did, always together, we started sailing joined our 1st Yacht Club in 1971. This is what I wrote on Boxing Day with a very sad heart.

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

All morning he’s said to me. What time is it on, I don’t want to miss it, I must put it on

The cricket was going, the time ticked around, until it was time then the channel was found, asleep in the chair so peaceful was he, I woke him and said, come, come look and see

He looked for a moment, eyes glazed and then shut, his mind was saying this is important to me

But it couldn’t be - I cried

mathreader

I haven’t done that race but we lived and traveled on a trawler for 8 years. That life is gone but it sure was wonderful when it happened. It was only a few years ago for us. So much has happened.

Nowhere

A poignant poem showcasing how and what Alzheimer’s steals from our loved ones and that loss reverberates so deeply within the hearts of the partners and spouses who care, love and are left alone to remember. Thank you for sharing your Sydney to Hobart Race with all of us. It a beautiful testament to your loving care of your husband. Keep attending the race! Perhaps record and let him watch on demand. ❤️

Carl46

That poem pretty much sums it up. My poor wife wants to help but she can do almost nothing independently. She will offer me a cold drink while we are watching TV but will go to the kitchen and come back without it. She is so bored. I am planning to find her an adult day care for the socialization as much as to give me time to do things I need to do.

Bailey's Mom

Thanks for posting the poem…very good and It does sum it up. My DH is angry because I won't buy a big o live on and sail to Puerto Rico (I have never been there and he's been to the airport in San Juan once). I feel so guilty because in his mind this is the answer to all of our problems and I am standing in the way of his dreams, but someone who can't master a tv remote or read a clock cant navigate a sailboat to Puerto Rico!

SDianeL

we lose so much to this disease. My DH and I traveled full time in an RV for almost 20 years. Broke our hearts when we had to sell it. I cherish the beautiful memories we made. Thanks for sharing your poem. 💜

Biggles

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233117#Comment_233117

Thankyou so much for your lovely response. It's such a horrible disease for all of us to cope with.

Biggles

It's such an awful thing that we have to contend with; the feeling of being alone is devastating. Your reply tells me someone else is out there who understands and is going through this awful time too.

Biggles

Biggles

You made me laugh again. I too am the big bad person who won't let him buy a boat and sail away, also cannot work the remote, the kettle, the toaster or pass me the salt. But in his mind, he can navigate, change sails, fix inboards and I am stopping him from living the dream. I think it is now only a dream. Oh well!

Bailey's Mom

Ha! Only a sailor could envision the absurdity of this…I can imagine being out in the middle of the gulf stream, in bad weather, the inboard diesel not working, sails flapping furiously, no navigation, being the only helmsman and stuck at the helm, not knowing where the h… you are, nightfall approaching… plus dealing with DH having a major meltdown and a terrified puppy who hates boats. Sounds perfect, esp for a 76 yr old woman? How could we possibly want to pass on this idea? It really helps to know that someone else is dealing with this…thank you for that!

ronda b

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233236#Comment_233236

Baily's mom you made me laugh.

Biggles

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233236#Comment_233236

Absolutely, we must be totally nuts, and loving it!!

Biggles

BJEndresen

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/71689/sydney-to-hobart-yacht-race

I felt this. My DH sailed his entire life. I joined him and for forty years we enjoyed local races and adventures in the Islands in PNW. First signs of a problem was when he did not know what the Whisker pole was. Wing and wing being his favorite sailing. Last time the sails were hoisted was July 2021. We still go down and hang on the boat where I see a bit of the sailor come back. I do miss that part of our lives and the sailing community.