Category Archives: Lasting Love

The inspirational true love story of Kirk and Cindy’s determination to live well despite her tragic affliction with Alzheimer’s.

The Other Humanity Hiker

I asked a friend recently to Google Humanity Hiker, the simplified instruction for finding my 900+ blog posts over the past 15 years. After the research results she asked which one to click, pointing out to me that there are … Continue reading

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Two Memorable Anniversaries!

Today, September 19, is our 39th wedding anniversary! I keep saying this every year, but I once had doubts we would reach our 30th. Now I figure we have an even chance of making it to 50, but that is … Continue reading

Posted in Hiking Partner, Humanity, Love Kindness | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Full Steam Ahead!

Cindy turned 65 this year and with that the potential for me to acquire full time help for the first time during this fifteen year journey (and counting). I expected the help to come much sooner in the year but … Continue reading

Posted in Believe in Humanity, Brain Health Needs, Home Care Journal, Lasting Love | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Elder Rest Addendum

I omitted one strategy in the Elder Rest post.  First, a little refresher about our sleeping arrangement.  After Cindy’s first and worst seizure in March 2019 she was placed in hospice and moved to a hospital bed in what was … Continue reading

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Helping Grandma

I gradually adjusted to Cindy’s condition, much like a swimmer slowly wading into cool waters rather than plunging in. For those that do not see Cindy on a daily basis their adjustment was more like a plunge, sometimes with a … Continue reading

Posted in Care Partner Vignettes, Home Care Journal | Tagged , | 7 Comments

The Little Gestures that Count

After turning my alarm off in the morning I check in on a few news and social media sites and then spend a little time on one of my writing projects.  About an hour later I arise to start Cindy’s … Continue reading

Posted in Brain Health Needs, Care Partner Vignettes, Lasting Love | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Beyond Terminal Care – Being Positive

A few biochemicals produced by our bodies enhance brain health. Neurotransmitters send messages within our central nervous system, while hormones circulate throughout the larger, peripheral nervous system.  Sometimes the same biochemical serves both functions.  Rather than producing them on a … Continue reading

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Beyond Terminal Care – Being Active

Being active takes different forms.  Much of being social requires being active, and we all know the importance of exercise.  As for that, this year I resumed regular stair workouts this year.  With the expanded coverage I had for 2023 … Continue reading

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Beyond Terminal Care – Being Social

Three types of social conditions benefit brain health: intimacy, altruism and fellowship.  “The Joy of Sex” is aptly titled, but even the intimacy of prolonged hugs can release the neurotransmitters that give you a joyful high.  As long as Cindy … Continue reading

Posted in Building Community, Care Partner Vignettes, Home Care Journal, Lasting Love, Love Kindness | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Beyond Terminal Care – Becoming a Superager

Caregivers for spouses with dementia are six times more likely to get dementia themselves.  Such caregivers have higher levels of stress and depression, and lower levels of subjective well-being. My contrarian nature causes me to view that as a challenge … Continue reading

Posted in Brain Health, Home Care Journal, Lasting Love, Living Well, Stages of Decline | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments