My wife and I are walking a path that parallels that of Ben and Shirley. Some of the twists and turns are different, but the direction is the same and the scenery is quite similar. In our youth, we never imagined that Alzheimer's would be a part of "in sickness or in health." In fact, a half-century ago, Alzheimer's was not even in popular vocabulary. But faithfulness to a covenant has its own rewards, as we choose to love each other with the new challenges and new insights that each day provides. Like Ben, by wife's disease has opened doors of service for me, and these contacts provide additional support for the two of us as engage others with similar dementia challenges. For many, we seem to be able to offer a blessing just by referring to Alzheimer's without shame or apology. One recent blessing we have shared is the entry into a longitudinal drug study. We don't know that it will help us, but at least our participation may help our children.

I agree with Carilee, not all spouses would be able or willing to take this on with the beautiful attitude. This is a sad disease, and I love reading from folks that are just into it fot themselves or family. Sir, your wife is a fortunate person to have you stand by her side. Thanks for sharing this.

The author of this article is a very caring and loving person. He has great strength of character as well. Not all spouses can or will be as sensitive and giving.
I owned an Alzheimers care home for 15 years and saw a variety of caregivers bring their loved ones to me for placement. Some came religiously to visit their loved one and others never showed up no matter the occasion. Some family members and friends of the Alzheimers patient are just unable to see their friend or loved one in their altered state. That is understandable but sad when the person with the disease remembers that friend or loved one and mourns their absence.
I sold my care facility 2 years ago in order to stay at home and become the caregiver to my husband who has Alzheimers. I know how to take care of a person with this disease but it is totally different when you are LIVING with the person that has the disease. All of my training and experience have not helped me ignore the tantrums, the paranoia or the resistance to care. The relationship between my husband and I have often caused him to resist what help I have been giving and any direction I try to give. After 46 years of marriage there are patterns established that he occasionally remembers and does not want changed. This is a difficult journey for anyone to take but caregivers that have been family members or friends of long standing have a far more difficult road to travel than a newly introduced caregiver.
God Bless all care givers! They are so important!

This was such an enlighting story. Thank you. For many years I would visit my mom and dad. When dad passed my two sisters thought my mom needed assisted living. I began to take her shopping , taking her to the grave site, and just going and getting ice cream at Sonic. Those few months were very enjoyable. We would laugh at silly
Things I did and Sullivan things she did . One time I took the wrong exit from shopping and boy did my mom know it. I knew how to get back on the highway but my mom acted as if she knew better (and of course I let her) any way we got back on track home. I just laughed and she did too. She confided in me for some reason. Now because my sister POA thought I was trying to get mom against her I only see her once a week and I can't take her anywhere. I hope by August I will once again get to take her out. I'm am just very glad to read your story. Keep
Up the good work. We only last on earth for a time and then it's God's time to take us up to Heaven if you believe. my problem will pass and I do try to bring things for me and mom to do when I visit. She loves me to bring magazines, fruit, and ice cream. Some of the stories I read caregivers are less fortunate then me and I am thankful for this time. My mom still knows me and she is always happy to see me on Saturday. God bless you.