January 2007 saw me start blogging as an outlet. Any reference to our situation was veiled for several months. Then I put up the “living the life,etc.” on the side bar.
All our families and friends know W has Alzheimer’s. But they did/do not know the extent of it’s progress or effect on both of us. So anonymously, I started writing “A Mountain Too High” mostly to “get it off my chest” and also, hoping to help others by giving my insight and/or solutions.
You have all been such a wonderful support to me – appreciate it and feel as if I know you personally. My dilemma is wondering if I should just write on the Welcome blog.
I chose the name of the blog from a wonderful evening with him listening to music.
“What’s in a Name?”
So I was asked how the name of the blog came to be–
Have a great wood burning stove in our family room – my man and I spend most evenings in our recliners – mesmerized by the flames, warmed by the fire and loved by each other.
We read, talk, nap (well, we are 61 and 65!) and listen to music. Buddy the (fickle) cat stretches out near the glass door basking in the heat.
Anyway, back to the blog name – Last Friday we were listening to Elvis’ rendition of “Welcome to my World” and as I walked by, my man reached out – we waltzed with Elvis serenading us. A special moment I’ll never forget. Kleenex, please.
9 Comments
Whatever you write, whatever the title, I’ll read. You have a wonderful blog, Jean. You make me laugh and cry.
I’m with Mary. I’ll be reading…I love your title as it says so much about the journey. Life is meant to be shared, I’m thankful for your honesty-sharing your joy, your pain, your love–waltzing around the living room. Very touching. No advice, just a thank you. love you, annie
Jean,
Sometimes, I just sit looking at the name of your blog on my blogroll. “A Mountain Too High”. It speaks to me.
Dealing with Alzheimer’s is like that. Too much to handle, just impossible even to contemplate. But we go on, day after day, one step after another, one little rock to climb, then another … And we climb that mountain.
That’s what you’re doing. Not giving up, not letting the mountain beat you; just putting one foot ahead of the other in spite of the weariness and pain.
And your recording of it here is inspirational to us, as well as being a valuable resource for anyone dealing with similar situations.
I have climbed my own mountains in the past, and probably have a couple more to tackle. One of them, I shared this way; not in a blog, but in a book, written primarily for my children and grandchildren. They have said it helps them to understand, and have passed it along to others who they think would be helped by it.
Not tooting my own horn; this is just to ask you, “Do your (grown) kids know about and read this blog?” I hope they do, and if not, that they will, when they are ready for it. It is valuable family history. (That’s besides all the benefits for us, your readers and future readers.)
And once again, thank you for writing this.
It seems to me that A Mountain Too High is a very apt description of what you are going through, but Welcome to My World would also be a good title. How’s this: Use one of those titles as a subtitle for the other one.
I am hoping that 2008 gets somehow easier for you.
Thanks, Mary. Don’t want to make you cry, though!Yes, Annie, that waltz is one I will never forget. Love to you both and Happy New Year.
Susannah, thanks. Our kids have read “welcome to our World” and the Mountain was on the sidebar. No one has ever commented. I think the key words in your comment are “when they are ready for it”. It’s a long and winding road but I don’t need to tell you:)Happy New year to you and yours.
Hi Judy – a happy new year to you. What I was wondering is this: should I just post on “welcome- ??
it’s the original blog.
Jean,
We all have mountains – and many, like yours, are so much higher and the climb more difficult. Please continue to write/journal your thoughts. You are such a source of encouragement and hope. You are both in my prayers. love, Kathy
Thanks, Kathy.