Love Gets Us Through

I now know how difficult it is to be a caregiver. My husband suffered a stroke and it has been a challenging, scary time these last months. Seeing the left side of his face drooped as he slurred his speech to tell me that he is planning to drive himself to the emergency room was terrifying. I drove him to the ER where they admitted him and ran tests. He stayed two days. When they released him I wanted a nurse to show me what to do, what to expect. Thank God for “wraparound services” that lasted 8 weeks. He had physical, speech and occupational therapists visiting and assessing him. He kept asking when the numbness would go away. In his frustration he insulted them. They understood and kept trying their best. He did not accept the fact that it may not go away. This was a heartbreaking time. My once active, surfer husband fell into a deep depression.

My effort to get him to stay hydrated was a constant struggle. Then I introduced him to flavored water with a small improvement. He hated the medications he was prescribed. I have become the nag that keeps him on schedule with his meds. Caregiving is hard work. I have learned patience and have prayed so much for strength. I promised to love him ‘in sickness and in health.,’ and I always will. Love gets us both through the hardest times.

Love Gets Us Through

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