I’m Here and I’m OK

I can’t believe it’s been five months since my last post. It has taken me until now to acclimate to our new situation and feel ready to share in detail all that has gone on in my world. Even though I haven’t posted or commented on other blogs I haven’t remained completely out of the loop. I have continued to read posts that I subscribe to as I’m able and the beauty and inspiration contained in them has been uplifting. We all go through stuff. The honesty and human spirit demonstrated in the blog world has been a source of comfort to me. What I’m about to share, I don’t share easily but I have decided (with full consent from my husband) to share this part of my journey with you. I share it now with hope for healing and the prayer support of my dear readers, but also with the hope that my transparency might in some way help others go through their “stuff”.

In October my husband of 35 years was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease (also known as younger onset). Gary is 55 years old and has worked as an accomplished, preferred respiratory therapist for over 30 years. He has now been taken off the job because of his illness and will not return to work. The devastating news has washed over both of us in waves. Gary has kept his wonderful sense of humor through it all, even joking about it at times. He is now taking advantage of his time off to enjoy his favorite pastime.

Gary and His "Rod Guitar"

When we first got the news, anything blog-related seemed completely frivolous and I imagined I might stay away indefinitely. But I have come to realize that, not only do I miss the interaction with my readers and other bloggers, it is an important outlet for me creatively. So I have decided to build the time in to post once again. We have been making many changes in the way we live (diet, finances, spiritual life) that I will share with you in upcoming posts. I will also be sharing photos of our entire house that is now on the market as well as the direction I am going with my money-earning pursuits. I’ll share a bit of happy news as well! Thank you for listening, I look forward to connecting once again.

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19 thoughts on “I’m Here and I’m OK

  1. I just wanted to say how sorry I am that you and your family are having to deal with such a devastating blow. I am encouraged by your strength and grace in deciding to come back to blogging and share your story. I am certain that in doing so you will touch many and give a voice to those who don’t have one. You are correct in stating that we all have our own unique trials to bear but in being a witness to each other we can help many get through the tough days. Please know that I am holding you, your husband and family in my prayers.

  2. Hello Ann,
    So happy you have come back into blog land. You were missed. I am so sorry to hear this news on your hubby. That is a terrible disease and I pray they can help him with all the new therapies and medications to hopefully slow down the progression. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Life can throw us some real curves sometimes but please know you are a strong women and you will get through this. With going through a rough year and half myself I have learned to look at the blessing around me rather than focus on the ugly of what is happening. Enjoy this special time together. That is the blessing you will have this time early in life to spend together. So enjoy.
    Hugs,
    Kris

  3. Hi, Ann. I have been missing you and wondered if you were doing well. I will keep you and Gary in my thoughts and prayers. You handle everything with such grace and dignity, I am sure you will be able to support him through this difficult journey.

  4. Hi Ann,
    Don’t forget that your blog friends are real people at this end and that we care about you both. Gary is the man with the baseball cap filled with whirly-wing seeds who won our hearts. It looks like there will be a lot of great trout dinners ahead!
    Ginene

  5. Thank you for sharing your news, please keep in touch, we all care very much for you, in good times and not so good.

  6. Hello Ann
    Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve checked back often to see if you were ready to come back to blog land and let us know how your husband was doing. Sorry that you guys have to go through these hardships. You’re right. We all go through “stuff”….no one makes it through life unscathed…Please know that you and your family have been in my heart and in my prayers for months now. And you will continue to be, of course. It was so nice that you were able to go to the art workshop. Hope to see what you made while you were there.
    Hugs to you,
    Catherine

    1. Catherine, knowing that you have carried us in prayer is comforting and burden-relieving. I am so happy to hear from you. I hope all is well with you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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