Thanks, Ladies, one and all.

I will keep you updated, and I am taking care of myself as well as Dennis. We are going to begin couples counceling with a counselor that specializes in disabilities. We have great neighbors and great friends that have helped out when we need.

I know how wonderful it is to be here in the forums to give and receive support. I have missed being around here, but hopefully I am back again for a while.

Anno,
I'm lucky to have joined when you came back then! I like your posts very much!
dancer

Anno, I will keep both of you in my prayers.

Thank you Yonuh and dancer. I appreciate all the kind thoughts. I truly do.

Anno, you're both in my prayers as well.

An update

Yesterday, for Thanksgiving, My sweetie and I went out to eat with my parents (aren't I lucky they are both still alive) and my nephew and his girlfriend. I had decided I could not do it all (so yes, I am taking care of my own needs) and clean the house, cook and clean the house once again, so we made reservations at a steak house.

Dennis wanted to dress up, so he wore the beautiful suit he had made last year when we were in China. It took him 3 hours to get ready, and it was not because of vanity.

He tips over when he sits and therefore slides off of chairs quite easily. Four times during the meal I had to push him back onto his seat so he would not tumble out of his chair.

He could only eat half of his meal, not because of a lack of hunger, but because he expends so much energy simply trying to sit, lift his fork and chew.

It took us 20 minutes to get him out of his chair at the end of the meal. He works so hard at staying in the chair that his muscles all lock up. Then, I suppose his brain takes a while to tell his muscles to relax, too.

Today we will complete the application for disability. It has taken this long to get all the papers from doctors and pharmacies to complete the work.

He is taking all of this with such grace. He is patient with himself, even when I become impatient. He has humor about his pokiness, even when I attempt to rush him. I am learning more patience than I ever thought any human being could be capable of.

Thank you, ladies, for being here for me. It is so nice to be able to share my woes and celebrations. I am so lucky to have finally met this man that I love so dearly, and so lucky to have a man that loves me unconditionally, too. And each of you. Thank you, so very much, all my dear girlfriends.

Anno,I admire how you seem to be in such a good place with all you face! I'm happy to hear it and it gives me heart that people can face what they must and make the best of it!
dancer

Oh Ann, thank you for letting us all know how you are doing. Like Dancer, I admire how you are making the best of your rapidly changing situation. I do believe it's only possible for you to carry on as strong as you are, because of the deep love you and Dennis have for each other. How wonderful that Dennis is taking his illness with grace and hasn’t lost his sense of humour.
Hopefully you will finally get more support after the disability application.
God bless him and you Ann.
Hannelore

Anno, a friend once told me that the beauty and strength of a person's character is defined by the manner with which he faces adversity. You and Dennis suit that perfectly. Hope all goes well with the application.

Thank you Anne, The hardest part is the rapid change - just when we figure out how to cope with one thing, something else occurs. Like you said, the decline; it's difficult for both of us watching Dennis loosing the ability to be a doer.

Dancer, you have inspired me through your posts. Your tenacity is something I admire.

Hannelore, my long lost sister. Your words are always a comfort to me. I agree, our deep love makes it possible. I remember you telling me that some of your aquaintances have divorced over illnesses; I can't imagine leaving Dennis because of this. I just love him too much.