Grandpa's Perspective (Spouse)

My grandma having Alzheimer’s disease has affected my grandpa’s life as well. It has been difficult for him to cope with the reality and finality of the situation. Life as he knew it is over. Grandma use to cook all the meals, keep the house clean, and most of all be his best friend. 


The following is a little bit of what he had to say:

61 years ago we took a vow, “for better or worse, richer or poor, in sickness and in health til death do us part…” and this is where the rubber meets the road. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to be without her. I miss her so much. At least she still recognizes who I am but it tears my heart out when I have to leave her at the home and she asks me to take her home.

I feel guilty because I can’t take care of her; we always took care of each other.  I wake up in the middle of the night and call her name---it’s sad.

This week the neurologist said he doesn’t need to see her anymore.  There’s nothing different that he can do for her---just keep socializing, taking her medications, eat well, walk as much as possible with help---but he doesn’t want me to help her walk because he’s afraid I’ll fall.  Guess it means what?  I don’t know.  I just pray for God to take care of her.  I’m so thankful for my kids, grandkids and friends.  I don’t know what I would do without them.

This isn’t the way I thought we would be…but you never know…however God has been good to us.... and we are better off than a lot of people.