Dear frustrated,
thank you for sharing your current status caring for your husband. I think you are coping well considering the length of time this has consumed your life.
i am sad for you, for your husband who is continuing to decline, as you stand by and can't do anything to change it. It feels very defeating. It takes all the energy you can muster.
i was glad to read that you are taking care of you by getting out with friends, having walks, conversations, distractions. This is important.
you are not alone although you feel it. You are fortunate to be able to lean on your friend, and see your family. It's still a heavy burden to come home to the caregiving.
dont give up. You are doing the best you can. You are giving to your husband support and caring even though he doesn't seem to appreciate it. From his point of view - maybe we would also see things very differently. It's such a difficult thing - to caregive.
all I can really say is - I understand from caregiving as a front line worker and also with family members - and it's a painful difficult time.
The best thing I can remind you of is that you are someone I admire, someone I would want to know, someone who cares and regardless of the challenges you give your very best.
one day you will look back on this experience and know you have no regrets. You will make life happen again, you will carve a new definition of you.
remember that you also matter, that you are doing what many would not be able to do.
remember that life has cycles and as each one ends another begins. Change happens whether we want it, like it, or are ready for it.
My thoughts are with you. So many people struggle in silence, alone and discouraged. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I hope others will also give you responses.
be encouraged.
vent whenever you need to - that is the beauty of this forum.
never alone,
best wishes,
NatR