I know if you are a woman you have watched or read "The Notebook" and remember how Noah and Allie ended up spending the rest of their lives together. Well, towards the end of their lives together Allie becomes diagnosed with dementia. In my work with adults I spend 80% of my day with dementia patients. I have husbands who demonstrate that same love to their wives everyday. I don't know why, but today one of those couples brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to share with you guys what I witness almost everyday. The wife has had dementia for the last several years. She stayed at home with her husband until last spring when he was unable to care for her adequately. He comes everyday to have lunch with his sweetie. She usually recognizes him by displaying the biggest smile you have ever seen. He has not been able to converse with her for the last year, but that has never stopped him from coming. In the last couple of months he was diagnosed with Melanoma and began treatment. I was so sadden by this news because I knew this would mean less time for them to spend together. That would be the only thing to keep him from coming as often. Today was the first time I had seen him come in a while. I walked into the room where the musician was performing for the resident's and he had his arm around his wife and was singing the old tunes like they had never missed a beat. This is the kind of love I hope all my friends strive to find in their husbands and boyfriends. Remember the significance in the words of your vows to each other. I love my husband!
If you guys know someone with dementia and need resources please feel free to contact me!
