One evening many years ago, I walked over to the gym to watch Wayne’s Army team play the town’s basketball team.
The score keeper hadn’t shown up so the ref asked me if I were staying? Would you keep time and score?
I sat down at the little table and Wayne came bounding off the court and sat beside me. He knew who I was and I knew of him only because of his outstanding basketball scores from centre court.
He invited me for coffee after the game and the rest is history. This August we celebrate 44 years.
Wayne has always been thoughtful, very generous and kind. He did middle of the night feedings when I was so tired I didn’t even hear the baby cry, he sat at my bedside after surgeries and cared for toddlers and me after 2 rather major operations 3 months apart.
He let me be my own woman and work if/when I wanted or stay home.
We both worked on our marriage and I’m sure he “gave” many times when I was cranky and unreasonable.
He’s really humorous and loves a good cartoon or joke – still. For our 25th anniversary, he had a band set in diamonds and presented it to me the night before our 25th. That was the first time he ever told me that he used to see me around town and knew that someday he wanted to marry me.
The least I can do is care for him as I know he would care for me.
This is the heart breaking thing, I know I can’t do it forever, not physically or mentally. The day is coming.
11 Comments
Beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. You are and have done a wonderful, beautiful job. A loving tribute to the man who loves you and whom you love. What a testimony of unconditional love. What a picture for the rest of the world to see. You go girl. Praying for you both in the coming days. Do take care of yourself…you have to,in order to take care of him. Praying…hugs…Mary Lou
You’ll always be caring for him, it just may have to be in a different manner. Even he wouldn’t be able to take on the full unshared responsibility of a AD patient. You just have to know your limits and accept or arrange help as needed. The emotional toll can be the worst. I’m not so sure he could bear watching you slip away before his eyes. You’re an angel Jean and he always knew it. That kind of love is a miracle.
Thank you so much for your willingness and openness of your story. I wondered often what made such a close bond to you both – I may not be able to do that myself – you seem so strong.
You know JeanMac and I don’t know if you will understand this or not – you wrote that you always wanted to visit Alaska – I’m not sure if you will or not – I hope so.
But a lot of Alaska is what it did for my state of mind – what it did for me – and for my soul. It gave me something I’ve needed for so long. I just can’t explain it to you.
Truthfully, my life and situation is not like yours. Maybe we just all have our “Alaskas’ if you will – the experience that lasts a lifetime in our soul – in different experiences. It’s something we wish we could keep forever.
It sure sounds like Wayne’s thoughtfulness, generousity, kindness, and caring helped make the woman you are today. And his support to let you be your own woman and work if/when you wanted or stay home – wow! His willingness to do what it took – his sense of humor – those are things you cannot buy.
Gee I wish I had someway to turn things around for you. Hope you understand a little of what I’m saying.
Love,Chatty (Sandie)
What a wonderful story. Of course, I love the poster anyway.
I love knowing how you two met. I love hearing your wonderful memories. It is wonderful to know that Wayne would sarifice everything for you even it means freedom from the demands of his daily care. He would wrap that as a gift and hand it to you if he could.
I hope those wonderful memories help you through these most difficult times. I wish you strength to get down this path and I hope you will know when it is time.
I seems there’s been plenty of good times to cancel out the bad times which is a rare gift indeed. Don’t beat yourself up when “that” time comes. You’ve gone above and beyond and have earned mine and countless others utmost respect for your strength and perseverance.
HUGS
Such a lovely love story…no wonder doing this for W is something you want to do. Such history. I agree, his sense of humor is still there, and such a part of him. You’re doing your best for him, out of love, and somehow he will always know that.
Such a beautiful love story. Your love will not go away even if Wayne does. He will still feel your love, your concern from within – his outer surroundings will not change that.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
You will know when the time is right.
Love & Light
What a great tribute to your Love! No illustrations necessary … I could just picture the two of you, sharing and caring.
What a sweet story – you and Wayne have such a connection, I don’t doubt for a second that he knew you were the one before he even met you.