Caregivers are an amazing group.  These people help us with everything.  Little things we never notice, or big things for some of us like getting dressed.  The list is endless.

I wanted to tell a story about one caregiver.

My Aunt Pat is my brother's sister.  She was the oldest child and the first to marry.  Her husband, Ken, was a very good man very nice.  They got married and moved to Chicago.  The had two sons and eventually a daughter.

My grandmother was the first among her group of friends to have grandchildren (FRIGHT). The picture of my cousins on her desk?  She would say "the picture is of my nephews from Chicago." The plausible denyability came from the fact she lived in New Orleans. 

My Uncle had a great relationship with my mother.  They could really talk, and Ken could communicate to my mother what was going on with me.

This made my life easier.

Pat and Ken started a business.  And it is still going strong today.

Ken developed Alzheimers. I had moved away so I only heard about it.  My Aunt was the primary caregiver.  Pat had home aids and nurses, but a majority of the work fell to her.  He still went to work sometimes, and I have no idea how that was handled.

Pat asked me out to dinner one night at a nice restaurant.  I had not developed MS yet, and so I was healthy.  Just the three of us. She got the electric wheelchair out of the car. Ken powered to the table.  We sat down to dinner and the words "do you remember" and "do it this way" were politely and lovingly said throughout the meal. 

I had previously worked with handicapped children, so I felt I was ready for anything.  My uncle still wore the same glasses, but the vibrant eyes were dulled.  It was a tough meal for me.  I was afraid to discuss anything beyond the weather.  I was not afraid, just unsure of what I should or should not do.

Pardon me for changing the subject, but allow me bring up a subject that really angered me.  Reverend Pat Robertson said it was acceptable to date if your spouse had Alzheimer's.  Hey Rev! Remember better or worse? In sickness and in health?  You can cheat because you life mate is sick until his death?  I had little respect for Pat Robertson before, now it has tuned to bitter hatred.  I just want to throw tv bricks (made of foam) whenever I see him on TV. 

As a caregiver, Pat was the constant companion.  Life continued.  My Aunt still had to go out of town on business.  And she returned.  And resumed caregiver duties.  I cannot imagine.

Plus this was her husband.

After several years, Ken moved to an assisted living facility.  Eventually he passed away.

Ken's passing was not unexpected.  

Pat continued to live life.  And she traveled to Italy on business.  And met someone on the flight.  

And she has introduced him to her children.   I can only think this is same event as when a kid brings home his girlfriend/boyfriend to meet the parents.  The kids like him.

And he makes her happy.

God moves in mysterious ways.  Pat had a wonderful life with her husband and stayed with him beyond the end.  Perhaps meeting this gentleman was God's reward for the good deeds she did.

I only care because she is happy for the first time in a long time.

Thank you for reading.

Power to the people.

Power to the cure.