I will be back hopefully soon, but here are some of the reasons for not able to find time for posting.
Brought BIL and his wife to my house. She is 87 and he is 83. She has Alzheimer and he has dementia. She had fallen and fractured her hip and they would not release her from the hospital unless they had 24 hour care. She needed to be in a wheelchair and both of them had catheters upon their arrival in my house. Besides a bladder infection that brought us the ER she was doing great and was getting better every day. After 1 1/2 week here she had a massive stroke in the middle of the night. Her whole right side was affected, no speech and no swallowing reflexes and incapable of focusing. While she is in the hospital he pulls out his catheter the second time and they are trying to see if he can function with out. Did not work, caused an infection and another ER visit and 2 days of hospital stay. In the meantime a decision about feeding tube for her had to be made. Decision was "NOT" and consequently she needed to leave the hospital since they could not do anything for her anymore and it would be only a matter of time for her to die. After looking at hospice places (I didn't like any of them) I decided to bring her to my home where she stayed for a week and then passed away on 9/30. Had a house full of guests to support my brother in law on a daily basis since and am busy with funeral arrangements and all that is involved with it. Future looks as if my brother in law will continue to stay with me. They own a house that needs to be cleaned out. 40 years of accumulation. Yesterday was the first time I have seen my craft room since all this happened. I hope that after a while we will find a routine where crafts will fit into schedule again. So if you remember say a prayer for us both and forgive me for not posting much.Hugs Angie
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Praise for you and all you are doing! So many think only of themselves and their life. I am sorry for your loss. You are a very special person.
Hugs, Nadyne
24424Dear Angie - thank you for letting us know how things are going for you. How you managed to cope in all those crises beats me. You must be a wonderful, strong and loving person. My thoughts are with you as you face a busy future and I hope that you can find time to be just you so that your batteries can be recharged. Keep us updated when you can. A great big AussieHug for you from Downunder.
AlmaG.
17214Thank you for all the prayers and encouraging words. I am blessed having my daughter and her family near by. They are making sure that I get a brake. Also friends of my in-laws have been amazing. One elderly couple took on a 2 1/2 hour drive (one way) 3 times in one week just to help. Truly I feel blessed by it all and having the Cutie friends to talk to is a special benefit.
Thank you!!!!!. *4all
Hugs Angie
109774Dear Angie, I'm sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Yoriko
88650Angie - What a trying time. I am so glad that your BIL and his wife had you willing to help them. So hard to see our loved ones in such a situation - you are stronger than you know.
6122I will add you to my prayer list. I know what it's like to have Alzheimer's or dimentia relatives.....my mother had Alzheimer's and it's very hard on the family. God Bless You Angie!!!
14765Dear Angie,
I'm so sorry to read about your SIL passing away. How wonderful of you to look after them both like this. It's such a drain on one's emotions. My prayers for you to keep strong in your health too. Many prayers from all of us hopefully will sustain you through this time. Love and blessings Chris
234505I was caregiver to both my parents and it is more exhausting and stressful than having an infant in the house. Learned to let others help so I could have a moment of time for myself and family whenever possible. Will be praying that you take care of yourself and find that schedule that can work for the both of you and your family.
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1752I wondered what happened, not seeing any posts from you. My prayers are with you and your BIL. You are such a dear and caring person to do all that. I know you are a couple of years older then me and I don't know if I could handle doing all that you are doing. I admire your strength and giving of yourself. Stay strong. Bless you, Sweet Lady,
Hugz,, Kathy in Stockton
13287Oh Angie, you are an Angel here on Earth! This is unreal. I will pray for you and your health. Is there anyone who can help you? God Bless YOU!
59631Bless you heart you have loving caring heart but do not forget to take care yourself Prayers to you and your love ones Love Maria
119791You have a lot to deal with but thankfully you are there for your BIL. I'm sure your family is grateful for your help but remember you will need a break so ask for help if needed. May the Lord be with you.
4436You have all my sympathy and understanding. You are an exceptionally caring human being but please don't forget to take care of yourself!
Prayers and hugs for both of you.
Lidia
78119In the South, we say "bless your heart." There's a lot of truth in that - you are in a lot of stress and I will be praying for you. Biiiiig hug.
66912Thank you for making us aware of your situation; you are a model for others in loyalty and caring for family. May you always have a helping hand nearby, friends to support and bolster you as you care for your BIL...I, for one, shall be with you in heart and mind and shall pray for your continued strength to sustain you while you establish some sort of routine...come back and visit when you need to and we shall be here to encourage you...
18403Oh my i do pray God is with you as you care for them hugs carolyn
360663You are such a blessing to them. Thank you for your loving kindness.
156262848Prayers and blessing on you for your caregiving. Not everyone could-or would do this.
8230Angie, my heart goes out to you. My Mom had dimentia so I know how hard and frustrating it is at times.
Many counties have an office for the aging or something similar with day care and respite services for dementia patients. You might want to look into what is available in your area. Even a little help goes a long way in saving your sanity. Please look ito it. as you'll need time for yourself to grieve and try to move on. My prayers are heavenbound for you.
Meri
15572Angie, remembering you with my prayers. You are the personification of family as Marji says. Wow. What an undertaking. I'm leaving you a crown to go with your wings and prayers that you take really good care of yourself, too.
158718Bless you, Angie, I think of you and pray for you every day. Even though it must be almost unbearably hard and emotionally draining, you personify to me the meaning of "family". You're my hero. I think you must have earned at least a double set of angel wings already, dear friend. I hope you can get some help with the house, get a routine going, and find some "me" time in there somewhere. You need it to stay sane and healthy. Biggest and best cyber hugs, along with my love, Marji
33451Angie I think of you everyday....stay strong. I know your birthday is coming up and hope your children will spirit you away for a little fun. Stay strong
20582My dear friend, good to see a post from you here too, please take good care for yourself and BIL.And besides all the funeral arrangements and memorial service, hope your daily routine will come back for you, BIL and Heidi. You know, my prayers and thoughts are for you.
Love you, Gerry.
743321You are the most honorable family member. I applaud your efforts and ask that you do something nice for yourself at your earliest opportunity. Best wishes to you and yours. Christine
173695I agree you can not take care of others if you don't remember to take care of you first! Prayers for you & yours & I am sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs & ** Loralye
299559God bless you----being a caregiver is EXTREMELY HARD WORK----You MUST remember to find time for YOU and take care of yourself----physically, emotionally, spiritually-----you must be well to care for your loved one----As the saying goes---been there--done that---Prayers coming your way and God bless and keep you safe and sound:):):)
4698What a terrible time you have had and so kind of you to look after your relations. Angie please look after yourself and take care. Hugs Sarah.
255054You do what you have to do and don't forget to take care of yourself in the process. We all have been or will be in similar circumstances at some time and we understand. Hugs and prayers.
626You are an angel to do this for your family. I hope you can get enough help so that you can handle it all. Take care.
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