Here is a long overdue update on Debbie’s journey. Time is flying by, and I feel like I am never caught up. There is always too much to do and I have too little energy to do it all.
It has three months of challenges for Debbie as she continues her long goodbye. Since the last post she made two trips to the hospital, one by ambulance the other I drove her. Both were overnight stays, but she was able to return to Edgewater both times.
Debbie continues to lose ground cognitively, but she is unaware of the total extent of her condition, and we are grateful for that. She often does not sleep well so mornings are a difficult time for her. After an hour or two she usually joins in the scheduled activities and is generally calm. I visit at least once every day and always for an hour or two before dinner as this is by far her best time.
We have a daily routine. The first is to help her clean up and change clothes, go for a walk (outside if the weather is good), and then watch a little television. We sit at the same table with another couple where another husband visits his wife everyday too. We have become good friends.
Last month I moved closer to Edgewater, just two blocks south of the campus. I will miss the Bridgewood neighborhood and the many friends that Debbie and I have made over the last 24 years. I went to a different school in 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades, all different school districts spread across three states. Being in one place for so long was something I will always cherish. But the Bridgewood house was empty without Debbie and being able to walk or bike to Edgewater seemed like a good option.
The move was more work both physically and mentally than I expected it to be. So many small details and follow-ups to follow-ups. William was a great help moving. Jackson and Cassidy travelled from Kearney and with Mikki and Hunter they organized my great room. They selected new furniture, set everything up, and decorated it in two days. My 98.5-inch television (that's 7 feet by 4 feet) looks good in there!
My new tricycle has worked out great. There is already 55 miles on the odometer from just going a few blocks to Edgewater and back!
Onward and Upward! Bob