How I Know The Spouse Is Feeling Better

My spouse has had an awful year in dealing with his ongoing battle with three persistent, chronic infections borne by a single tick bite. But by September, the worst of his symptoms had abated, and by November, except for ongoing severe joint pain, the other symptoms had gone into remission. He has not completely recovered, but at least he is stable and off the drugs.

I observe him closely. I can tell when he has had a bad day or is feeling generally okay. He will never tell me himself. But I know… this is how I know…
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Hope and Optimism

180px-Glass-of-waterI am, by nature, an optimistic person. I see an 350ml glass with 175ml of water in it, and I think the glass is “pretty full.” Not even half-full, but “more than enough to quench my thirst.”

I have always been that way. I cannot explain exactly why. Perhaps my parents had something to do with it, ensuring that we were happy and safe, well fed, loved, and cared for as we were growing up.

So my usual bright and cheerful outlook could not be withheld on Wednesday when I took my spouse for a routine visit with his doctor…
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Accepting That I Can’t Do It All

I was raised to be self-reliant and independent, confident and secure in knowing what to do. I am a pretty good handyman, and even built (most of) the house in which I live. I cared for two elderly relatives through the respective winters of their lives, one of them quite intensely as she developed, declined, and passed away due to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Over the years, I have accumulated a group of “senior pals” who I look after by doing minor home repairs and taking a few of them grocery shopping each week. This minor form of caregiving is something I enjoy and lifts my spirits.

But in all of my experience in caring for others, nothing really prepared me for what I am dealing with now.
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