It has been 575 days since Debbie moved into Beacon Springs, the memory-care community at Edgewater. Beacon Springs is her safe harbor. The caregivers know her well and treat her with such gentleness. Her apartment is filled with little pieces of home that help her stay anchored as her memory slips further away. Even though her world is getting smaller, she has found a way to be content within it.
And yet, there is still joy. Debbie finds comfort in simple things like favorite snacks, the sound of music from her childhood, sunlight through a window. She lights up for visitors. Even though she may not remember their names, she instinctively knows it is a person that is important to her. She smiles often. Her sweetness remains. Even as words slip away, her spirit shines through in the way she reaches for my hand or leans her head toward mine.
For me, the hardest part has been remembering for both of us by carrying the history, the stories, the pieces of her life that she can no longer hold. But I am doing okay. I have many good friends that constantly reach out and the last few months have brought moments of great joy.
My induction into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame was an unexpected but greatly appreciated honor. Family and friends suited up and showed up in numbers that exceeded my expectations. To have my children and grandchildren there made the night an amazing experience. However, Debbie was not there nor was my late wife, Carol. I know I would not be the man that I am today without their love and support, but I also know they would be proud of me and that has to be enough.
Blessings abound as I found out that I will soon be a great grandfather! Debbie will not be able to fully understand or enjoy this as I will. She may not always know the details of our life, but we are still on this journey together, one day at a time.
Onward and Upward! Bob