Category Archives: Care Partners

The inspirational and informational chronicles of a long term home caregiver for a spouse and best friend with Alzheimer’s.

All in the Eyes

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

After feeding the cats I return to our “bedroom” to start Cindy’s day. If her eyes are closed, droopy or alert I go about my normal routine. On this day her eyes are fixed on the ceiling in a vacant … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Partners, True Love | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Mind over Matter

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

“Mind over matter.” That declaration by Cindy echoed in my mind as I pushed her in the stroller to an outdoor wedding, 3.5 miles from our home. We had planned to jog to this event for months. Lindy the bride … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Partners, Journeying, True Love | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Best Laid Plans

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

We were looking to carry on a new tradition this year on the date of our anniversary, September 19. Last year on that date I took Cindy to the top of Dennis Hill in the adult stroller. Our daughter Charissa … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Partners, True Love | Tagged , | 2 Comments

My Caregiver Dilemma

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

As I gave Cindy her first hug of the day, claiming instead she was giving me a hug, I asked her the usual question:  “Did you sleep OK.” Back when Cindy could answer she always said “yes” even though I … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Partners, Stages of Decline, True Love | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Modes of Affection

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

As a citizen from the land of steady habits, I call up the same type of music for each day of the week while I do the early morning chores. On Saturdays I call for the children’s music we played … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Partners, True Love | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Empathy and Resurrection

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

After changing Cindy and going through her physical therapy I put her “dancing shoes” on and swing her legs out of the bed. Her “dancing shoes” are a pair of sandals with rubber soles gripping the floor. Her sandals are … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Partners, True Love | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Couch Potato Counseling

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

We have been “social distancing” now for over three years, since the time that Cindy no longer could walk. Given her overall health and will to live, we could be social distancing even after restrictions are lifted. Just when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Health, Care Partners | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Becoming Friends with Strangers

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

Charissa comes to visit on most Fridays, making that a day I can go outside by myself for exercise. My usual route takes me up to the top of Lovers Lane and back, about four miles. The second mile is … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Health, Care Partners, Journeying, Love Kindness | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Yes, No and Uh-huh

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

“Are you hungry?” I asked before leaving our “bedroom” to make breakfast. “Yes,” she replied in her barely audible manner these days. Cindy responds to a question occasionally, though not very often. In fact, she infrequently makes any verbal sounds … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Health Information, Care Partners, True Love | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

New Year’s Directions

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

Rather than New Year’s Resolutions I believe in New Year’s Directions. A new direction for me this year is the lack of direction in Cindy’s decline. For the start of the past few years I was uncertain whether Cindy would … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Health, Care Partners | Tagged , , | 7 Comments