THANKSGIVING UPDATE-2009

I will try to decipher some things that Carol might be Thankful at this time in her rapidly declining life.  Some ideas that come to mind, in no particular order:

1. She still sleeps good at night and sometimes an afternoon nap with me.  We go to bed soon after it gets dark but I try to keep her awake until at least 8:00 pm.  She awakes soon after daybreak. Sleeps very solidly.
2. She is still is able to go to bathroom by herself but I usually remind her.  She seems to have a larege bladder which is something I am very thankful for.  A few minor accidents but not using Depends yet.
3. She is still able to walk though it is more like a shuffle.  A couple of trips but onlly one fall and this is another big thing -   Thank you Lord!
4. She still likes to eat and does OK in this dept.  I have to prepare food and serve her and then cut up her food.  Does not drink much unless I coax her. Try to keep a Coke out all day so that she will get some liquid.  Water is sometimes OK at mealtime.  Also Crystal Light Peach Tea.
5. Her sensory ability is noticibly declining.  Especially her smell and taste.  She now eats some things she hasn't eaten since we have been married.  Things like onions, brown bread, cottage cheese, sour cream, and even ate some of my corn beef hash the other morning. Her smelling ability has almost vanashed which makes my male bad habits go unnoticed.  I am not sure she hears as good but definitely does not understand most words.  Her speech is virtually gone except for a very few words or phrases.  Still says " I love you"  and Thank you.  Go is a major expression because she love to go places.  I call her my Go  Go  Girl. 
6. Not only does she profess to love me, she follows me around the house all the time.  Does not like to be left alone.  In the kitchen, she is right behind or beside me whatever I am doing.  But she can not really help anymore.  Still try to get her to help me put away the dishes from the dishwasher but it is not very successful.
7. Her favorite pastime is looking at pictures, or albums or picture magazines.  She acts like she is explaining what she is looking at but we seldom know what she is saying.  They call it babbling and it is so sad, because I know she wants to talk to me but most of the times she accepts that I don't know what she is saying.  I think it hurts me more than it does her.
8. I am thankful that Carol does not seem to realize how much she has lost.  It would be devastating to her and unbearable to live.  Sometimes, she cries and she can't tell me what is wrong.  I assume that she is experiencing some kind of realization that something is wrong.  She used to ask questions about her disease and if she would ever get well.  Now, I hear nothing but just witness the blank look on her face.  It is very hard to see her dieing a little more each day.  I think a big day of Thanksgiving will be when she gets to join Jesus in Heaven. 
9. We are especially thankfur for all our friends from the neighborhood and church who have been so kind by bringing prepared meals.  They have been excellant and much better than my cooking.  Many have also come by to visit and stay with Carol while I take a little break or respite.  You're great friends.  
10. We are both thankful to have a baby in the house 3 days a week when Addy comes to help us.  Carol does seem to enjon Caleb or as I call him-"bigaboy!"

Hope I was not too descriptive.  I will try to add some things as time goes on.   Love to you all!!!!! Bill