Tonight is the first time I’ve seen where he could not figure out the lamp switch – this lamp has been by his chair for years. After untold contortions, I got up and turned it on. His response, “Thank you.” Ever a gentleman.
He has lost/misplaced his prescription sunglasses. I will place some calls to several people who have been with him and see if they (the glasses) are lurking about. Otherwise, kiss another $800. good bye.
One of his favorite aides was here today. (I can always tell how much he likes them by his response to me when I arrive home.) She also loves Buddy so that alone makes big bonus points.
Have finally devised a plan for helping him with light switches – they drive me nuts sometimes so can understand his confusion. I made squares of paper with arrows pointing to the switch and printing “Hall” or “Stairs”, etc. My hesitation has been his pride when company is here. So now I can just run around pulling them down when we have guests.
On this subject before, commenters have said to just mark the switch and to heck with what people think – I don’t care what guests think but what he will think – and he would be embarrassed.
Next to no sleep last night so hope tonight will be better. That is one of my biggest stumbling blocks to being a care person, I need my sleep, always have. Interestingly, he used to read til 1 am and get up at 5:30am all cheery and ready to go to work. I could never do that:)
The RN in charge of his home care management can hire (at my expense) an aide to sit for 7 hours at night but so far it’s not been necessary. I can go one or two days, then I need sleep. A couple weeks ago I phoned her in real distress, I had not slept and was really wasted. She told me to call in at 4:30pm if I hadn’t been able to sleep during the day. Luckily, we both slept for 6 hours so didn’t need the aide.
One of my family is coming out for a few days and I’m going to sleep downstairs in the guest room. I can’t wait for the visit! We put the bells on the doors and take the keys so all should be Ok.
That’s it for today, not a bad day at all.
5 Comments
Jean–here’s what touches me most in your post. You go through a description of difficult things: a new challenge for W–light switches; lost sun-glasses; signs to help W remember light switches, etc.; your own loss of much-needed sleep.
And then you say–not a bad day at all.
God bless you, dear–your attitude is so shining and affirming even in the face of one of the greatest life challenges ANYONE can have.
One “light switch” in each room operates the ceiling fan and when it gets turned off, our guests can’t figure out how to turn on the fan because you have to turn the switch on and THEN find the remote and turn the fan on so I’ve been contemplating getting one of those hand held labelers that you put in the word(s) and it prints out a label you can stick on something, just for our lights and for our guests convenience. I don’t think that would embarrass him if you told him it was so other’s would know which switch is for what light. HUGS
Like KGMom, I noticed your closing and thought, wow! After all you’ve gone through (sleep deprived and all), you’re able to say it’s not a bad day at all. I love that about you! You keep on keepin’ on and you’re an inspiration!
Jean, you rock! … seriously!
Happy to learn you’ll have family members there to help out.
So Jean, did I miss or could you tell us in one of your blog stories – the ‘life’ of your marriage. How you arrived to this place where you love him to death and will protect him at all costs. I mean your relationship sounds like the biggest love affair I have ever heard – so what was your secret to have such a wonderful and sucessful marriage – did you both work at it – was it more one than another – I’d love to hear your story sometime. Was it always wonderful? If it’s too personal I understand. Thanks.