So after I get the important stuff done (reading blogs!) in the morning, I hop on the treadmill. Put in at least 40 minutes a day in 2 sessions – get blog withdrawal after 20 minutes, you know:)
Best money ever spent. It’s a Horizon Elite 2.3T. For several years, I haven’t been able to leave the house to walk – or do anything else unless he is with me. Keep the cash and go slightly off balance or spend some and at least look like Marilyn Monroe ~~~ Ok, you guys can stop laughing now. Seriously, if you are in a caregiver situation which causes you to “be there” all the time, do something for yourself. I mean, get something for yourself – may as well be a machine which helps keep you healthy.
Years ago, we would travel and I’d shop til I dropped – my closets are bulging, the shoes shelves are to the brim and I have every linen and kitchen item you could ever want. Wayne loved that I enjoyed my trips with him and bought whatever I wanted. He encouraged it.
As I look back, so happy we made trips to the good ol’ US of A 4 times a year – believe me, we helped out your economy:)
But now, I’d toss all the material things in a garbage bin to have him back whole. Think I’ll try to strike a deal with God tonight – oh, yeah, that’s right, He didn’t “do” this to us, it was the luck of the draw and we will live with it and love each other til the end.
To all my friends who read, if you and your partner are able, please get away when you can, ski, bowl, travel, skate – and if just once you feel, “We have lots of time, do it when we retire” – then please read our story and do it now. With love from W&J
12 Comments
This post left me in tears.
My man turned down an invitation to visit old friends the other day. I’m sorry, we’re not able to travel any more,” he said. The woman couldn’t believe it; after all, it’s only an hour’s drive from here! To her, that’s not “travelling”. To my poor man, anything over 15 -20 minutes is too much to handle. Our world is shrinking.
I agree with you: live life to the fullest while you can. And when the boundaries shrink, live right up to the wire, anyhow. No regrets!
I used to use an exercise bike, but left it behind when I moved out of the city. Might be a good idea to follow your example, and get another one.
(I made a little tray contraption attached to the handlebars, so I could read and “bike” at the same time. It made the 20 minutes pass faster. This time, maybe a screen on a stand in front will work; I could read blogs while I exercise!)
Hi S – your idea of reading and exercising is great – I may get a guy to make a stand for the laptop – to sit over the treadmill.
So sorry to hear of your man’s shrinking world – I think of you everyday.
Someday, there will be no more Alzheimer’s blogs – may be too late for our families but for the future -
hugs to you and your man.Jean
Jean–I live your words. My father-in-law died suddenly (years ago) at age 58. My MIL told me after his death, she was glad they traveled when they did. So I learned from her and my husband and I have traveled extensively, and are not done yet. Then my MIL got Alzheimers, and her own life was limited.
So, believe me, I live each day and respond with a YES if my husband says–let’s go. . .
Also, I applaud your exercise ideas. I have a stationery bike, and like wanderin’ weeta–read while I bike.
Your post is SO needed to be read by everyone. I’m so happy for the good years you have had, and I understand completely your chucking it all if you could have him back whole.
I look at my little granddaughter who has CF. Statistically, she will not live a long life as we know it. My son and daughter-in-law are making sure that every day of her life is as full as it can be! And she is loving every day!
Lovely post, Jean, and so very true. Should be required reading for everyone!
Love, Laura
Oh, so true…we need to live each day to the fullest and not put off until “tomorrow” what we can do today. I understand your heart, it would be worth so much more to have him fully here. You are doing a great thing and leaving a leagacy and setting a beautiful example for so many. Blessings.
My parents always put off traveling until “retirement” and then my mom got ill about 2 months after my dad retired and they only took one trip. My mom wouldn’t fly, so that hampered travel as well. We have been lucky; going to many places either on vacation or with work functions, but now, mr. kenju won’t even go 90 miles without staying the night over. It’s too bad.
You have a great attitude, Jean. I think I’ve told you that before.
I used to get so worried with Mike for “overspending” treating us to vacations and nice Christmases, then being in debt for the rest of the year paying off credit cards. If we had waited until we could afford it, it never would have happened. We have many wonderful memories and often only one opportunity. My heart breaks that you don’t have more of those times to look forward to, but at the same time, I am glad you did live life fully when you could. I sure am glad Mike didn’t listen to me, too. Hugs to you today, Annette
“Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed.” Corita Kent
You, Jean, are a prime example of that quote.
Thank you for your post today, it was important for us to read.
xoxo
Grammie
life is unpredictable…I am glad you have your memories. You are still making memories, just not the ones you would want them to be…having the old Wayne back. I don’t know where you get your strength.
What a wonderful post.
We decided a few years ago that we would enjoy our time and travels together while we still could do them.
If you have a few minutes extra some time could you elaborate about your treadmill for me.
We were talking about getting one but I am so worried about falling(again) that I am concerned about the use of a treadmill.
Do you feel safe while using it and is there a handy stop switch if I should happen to loose my balance?
Thanks for any advise you could give me.
Bear((( )))
Thanks, Donna. Keep on biking!
Beverly, from the pictures, I think they are doing 110% toward this end.
Laura and Mary Lou – thank you for the support and kind words.
Judy, thanks – you have your burden, too.
Annie, great – good times – enjoy!
Grammie – good quote.
Beverly, strength from deep inside and from Him.On my knees a lot.
Bear, one new post coming up, just for you!