I have been remiss. After three weeks without a break, I spent two days in the outer banks of NC with my husband and feel like a new person. My mother also had a great time with my sister while I was gone. Getting away, even for a day, is very rejuvenating. I also discovered a website that has tons of great information and soothing tips.
http://www.caregiverrelief.com/biography.html
Recently, I had lunch with a friend who is making frequent trips to see her mother who has Lou Gehrig's disease. After talking about her visits and heartaches, she apologized then sent an apology email to me that said, "Thank you for putting up with my whining."
I told her not to worry--she's the only kind of friend I have time for anymore. No more talk of weather, outfits, and gossip--I want good real conversation, complete with raw emotions and honest opinions. A dear friend of mine told me years ago after losing her mother that she did not want friends that called her up to talk about other friends. She would only make time for people with meaningful lives, people that cared about other people and wanted to make life better for those they loved- she had no time for petty grievances. She made a lasting impact on me.
Here's to real friends, raw honesty, and listening to each other with good intentions.
And passing on that thought about "real" conversation is going to be passed onto me. I think this is coming along with my father-in-law as he sinks in health. He has become paranoid and confused. Nobody is saying it is a particular diagnosis, but I know we are not far from what you are experiencing. Thanks for sharing.
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