I am grateful today that I was unable to travel to my family in Denver yesterday because of the fierce storm. I am grateful because, while I will miss being with them on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, I am able to celebrate with my church family here at home. Many friends invited me for dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. So much to be grateful for.
I am grateful for my deep grief, for the cracks in my heart that have opened up new areas of longing, ache, and awareness, for the loosening bonds that have allowed me to love more deeply than I could have imagined. I am grateful for the ways in which grief has tenderized my heart and made the suffering of others more visible to me.
I am grateful that I woke up this morning. I am grateful that I slept through the night last night and so did my husband whose Alzheimer's often sends him out, unlocking doors, letting out the dog who is under edict not to roam or to be put down. I am grateful for cheesy Christmas movies because last night we shared a laugh at one and it was almost, almost like he was back with me if not just for that moment
Oh my. My heart aches for you and your husband. As it happens, the main character in my novel-in-progress has dementia (not Alzheimer's), and living with that fictional character for several years, I have a HINT of your real life. Bless you.
We are going on 3 years since the diagnosis. But looking back there were indicators that we missed. I am working on a poetry chapbook about Alzheimer's to share with other caregivers. I simply cannot read any more books about how to be a caregiver. They make me feel inadequate and lacking in ability to provide him with love.
I'm glad you're turning to poetry—a gift to yourself as well as other caregivers. You already know what you need to know, even as you keep learning. You can do this hard thing.
“Tell us: What’s one thing you’re grateful for today that’s hard to be grateful for?”
Grateful for the “life bumps” that appear on my Path for the learnings & growth they more often than not hold.
May the bumps do their work, gently.
I am grateful today that I was unable to travel to my family in Denver yesterday because of the fierce storm. I am grateful because, while I will miss being with them on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, I am able to celebrate with my church family here at home. Many friends invited me for dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. So much to be grateful for.
When we can't be with "family," we can find ourselves with "family!" Bless you! And I hope you can be with your family in Denver soon.
I am grateful for my deep grief, for the cracks in my heart that have opened up new areas of longing, ache, and awareness, for the loosening bonds that have allowed me to love more deeply than I could have imagined. I am grateful for the ways in which grief has tenderized my heart and made the suffering of others more visible to me.
Bless you, Claire. Bless your grief. Bless your love.
Freezing weather in South Mississippi!
I hear ya!
Having to stay home due to the extreme cold. Time to breathe and rest.....
I'm staying home, too! Bless you in your rest.
And may you be blessed as well in this holy season!
I am, truly. Thank you.
I am grateful that I woke up this morning. I am grateful that I slept through the night last night and so did my husband whose Alzheimer's often sends him out, unlocking doors, letting out the dog who is under edict not to roam or to be put down. I am grateful for cheesy Christmas movies because last night we shared a laugh at one and it was almost, almost like he was back with me if not just for that moment
Oh my. My heart aches for you and your husband. As it happens, the main character in my novel-in-progress has dementia (not Alzheimer's), and living with that fictional character for several years, I have a HINT of your real life. Bless you.
We are going on 3 years since the diagnosis. But looking back there were indicators that we missed. I am working on a poetry chapbook about Alzheimer's to share with other caregivers. I simply cannot read any more books about how to be a caregiver. They make me feel inadequate and lacking in ability to provide him with love.
I'm glad you're turning to poetry—a gift to yourself as well as other caregivers. You already know what you need to know, even as you keep learning. You can do this hard thing.