My husband died last summer. He had Alzheimer's. I’ve experienced a lot of “firsts” without him: his birthday, my birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and most recently, Valentine’s Day. Some of those days passed without incident. Others…not so much.
It's March. I survived the first holiday season alone. I know there is no end-point to grief. We caregivers learn to carry it. We balance it between sad songs and sweet memories. We treasure the grief. It's proof that we had our own moment of Camelot.
To help me through this year, I’ve chosen three "guidewords," an important ritual I do every January. For 2023, my words are: Emerge, Share, and Contentment. Each one tosses me out of my comfort zone. And each one gives me strength.
In this episode, I talk about those three guidewords and about surviving my first holiday season alone.
I hope you don't need this information. But chances are good you know someone who does. If so, please share this episode. The best thing we caregivers can do is share our stories.
Wandering and the Bring Me Back Home Program
The Dilemma of Dementia and Driving: Taking away the keys?
"I Didn't See It Coming" - Interview with LBD caregiver Mary Lou Falcone
Illusive Dreams and Frustrating Dementia Care Ads
My Caregiver Friend Died First
Why Join a Support Group? To Survive!
Not Feeling Festive? Light a Solstice Candle
Alzheimer's and Hope - A Gift or A Curse?
The Power of Grief, Community, and a Tree
Death and the Funeral
Hospice - Help When the End is Near
Sudden Falls and Rapid Changes
Mistakes and Dementia Self-Care Rituals
Our Loved Ones - The Power of the Stories We Tell
Alzheimer's and Vision Changes
Why You Need a Medical ID Bracelet
Lost in the Front Yard
Using the Word "Alzheimer's"
Getting the Diagnosis
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