I miss the Musings board

Iris, there's a feature that allow us to create "Groups." Someone could start a group titled "Musings."

The group idea should work out maybe just start a thread titled musings.

I'm with you about the wonderful sharing in the main forums. Also, understandably, the largest number of the posts are from people dealing with the later, more difficult, and crisis caregiving situations.

We are not there yet and are living an extremely drawn out, slow decline with its own issues. Each phase has its difficulties, but it's harder and less frequent to find posts about early stages in the main forums, from MCI to about stage 3 or 4.

I often wish I could hear and explore more about dealing in the earlier changes of dementia, especially with spouses. It's a uniquely intimate relationship - whether it's been difficult with ups and downs or a more ideal marriage - and it would be so helpful to share feedback. I wonder if there was a forum devoted to that theme if those in the earlier stages would share more.

When I noticed the "Groups" option it looks like the closest one can come to such a thing. I thought it might be worth the experiment; possibly serve a need that maybe more spouses would feel freer to speak and share if the group was more specific. Not much happening so far. No posting other than my own to try to get things started, so it feels like speaking to an empty room.

I'm still getting familiar with the new Alz site and there's a lot to learn. Maybe there's a better way to try to start a thread, perhaps something like Lorita's "Talk to My Friends."

Anyway, just tossing around ideas, trying to figure it out like everyone is after the big change. I hope it will gradually get easier to use even though it's very different. I hope you will keep posting more as time goes on. I so appreciate hearing your thoughts, Iris. Even if you think they would be "demoralizing."

It all helps everyone. I hope, if you feel like it/when you feel like it, you'll pick out even just one thing, so we can listen, empathize, and give you some company. I for one, wouldn't mind your 'musings' on the main boards. I also know it can be helpful to have the devoted forum for writing specifically to that theme.

storycrafter - I’m still here. My Mom and step-dad are in stage 4. Although NP still declares Mom at MCI( she showtimes well). I know it’s not the same as a spouse but I can listen. I know this forum needs more publicity. On the other hand, I’m in a Facebook group too and the 20,000+ users there give me headaches with their drama toward each other. People here are very honest about their struggles but it’s much more of a team atmosphere. I don’t want to lose that.