Walk With Bill_2001: 10 Years as a Caregiver

Bill_2001 · October 3

Hi Friends,

Three years ago, I posted the article entitled “The Cavalry Is Not Coming,” and I have been humbled by the fact that many of you have found it helpful. Thank you all for your kind words. If you have not stumbled upon it, search for it in this forum and it should come up.

I wrote that post to share an epiphany that I had quite late in the game: Seven years into care giving, I came to the stark realization that I am on my own on this journey, and that The Cavalry Is Not Coming. Rather than complain (again), I chose to write about summoning my inner strength and taking charge of the situation as much as possible.

If you would like to take a virtual walk with me while I talk about the article and my 10 year journey as a care giver, I have posted videos on YouTube. I invite you to walk with me!

Bill_2001 Caregiver Walk 1, Oct. 1, 2025: Let’s Talk About “The Cavalry Is Not Coming” (8 minutes)

https://youtu.be/QIscRIwazeE?si=JCsD7A_v8Ee6KGl3

Bill_2001 Caregiver Walk 2, Oct. 1, 2025: Let’s Take a Longer Walk Together and Talk About Dementia Caregiving (20 minutes)

https://youtu.be/Zk9sR6kLeaY?si=rNO7Iqu3l_GB4exV

Bill_2001 Caregiver Walk, Oct. 2, 2025: Let’s Talk About Caring for Our Loved One with Dementia (38 minutes)

https://youtu.be/ZyIsvzjVUwc?si=iPP3M5lfWtpZYJBv

I hope you enjoy walking with me, and I wish you continued strength on this difficult journey.

Love, Bill_2001

trottingalong · October 3

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74276/walk-with-bill-2001-10-years-as-a-caregiver

There are many new people to this forum and I feel this is one of THE most important reads for everyone on this journey. Thank you Bill.

Metta · October 3

This is wonderful, Bill! Thank you for continuing to inspire and walk with us.

Michele P · October 3

You are helping so many people. Thank you for your words of wisdom and videos.

Elizabeth607 · October 3

Thank you for sharing.

wose · October 4

it was just like you said… a walk with Bill. Thank you for the respite. I actually felt like I was walking and talking with you. It was a great walk!

BJACKSON · October 4

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74276/walk-with-bill-2001-10-years-as-a-caregiver

SDianeL · October 4

thank you Bill. This is such a great idea. It will help many caregivers. 💜

tboard · October 4

So true. There really isn't any help. There isn't any cure. There is no much advice to caregivers about "self care" ha ha ha

midge333 · October 4

Thank you!

persevere · October 5

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74276/walk-with-bill-2001-10-years-as-a-caregiver

Bill, I have enjoyed your videos immensely. I think they should be required viewing for anyone who is going to be an eventual caregiver.

LJCHR · October 5

Bill, I watched your 3 videos yesterday and I can't tell you how much they helped me. My DH was diagnosed May, 2021 with VD and he suddenly took a jump into stage 5 a couple of weeks ago. I have been overcome with depression and anxiety since then and fighting to stay positive for him. Your experience that you shared with us gave me more of an insight of what I'm up against - and to strive to reach acceptance of this horrible disease. Ironically, I found myself also hopeful that the estimated 5 year lifespan could be stretched to a longer time because I would like to have him around as long as I can. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience and I'm so sorry that we're all in the same boat.

Goodlife2025 · October 6

Bill, thank you so much for the talking walk(s). I am having an ongoing conversation with my daughter in-law regarding what stage her mother is in. We both agree she is in stage five but disagree about her advancement to stage 6. And I am one of those that understands (safety first) and lives as if DW is in the latest stage for which she shows symptoms. But then I also understand that there is the stage DW is exhibiting most often in our current period. And often times they are not the same. It seems DIL and I have had this discussion many times along the way, you know as we have gone through 3, 4, and 5. Your method of taking each day and appraising it at a 5, 6, 4 or whatever the day may bring and looking at that pattern over a period of time is going to be so helpful for us. This may be just the thing I needed to help her understanding. I am going to give your method a try and hope it helps our conversations. TY

Arrowhead · October 6

I won't walk with you because it would be too painful. However, I have shared the cavalry is not coming with others.

Metta · October 6

Just finished all three walks you posted. THANK YOU!!! It was like a heartfelt extension of this community, and I agreed with you on so many of your reflections. I don't know how you have walked this road (literally) for 10 years. My DH has progressed through stages 4-7 in less than a year, and there was no prior diagnosis. I just knew something was wrong. We never had a chance to even think about daycare, and the emotions all hit me in the face all at once.

Your DW is truly blessed to have your loving care. Thank you for modeling being kind to oneself. We are housebound, but I walked with you on my treadmill and enjoyed the lovely view of your park.