I hear occasionally from people who make assumptions, sometimes incorrectly, about my life and the health of my spouse. I found out that some of my close friends and even some family have been hesitant to contact me because…

…they think that my life is consumed with caregiving for The Spouse so much that any contact by a friend would be an imposition. They care about me so much that they have held back contact so as not to burden me with more things to which I would feel it necessary to respond.

I really DO appreciate how my friends and family care, but please do not assume that:

• My Spouse is on death’s door
• I am so busy caring for The Spouse that I have no time to breathe
• I don’t care about you enough to acknowledge a comment, thought, or just a “hello.”

Yes, The Spouse is not well, but he’s not dying either. Most of his days are calm. His mother and her care are major concerns of ours, but we’re managing to deal with it.

I AM busy myself, as well. Full-time (plus) job in a management position; involved as a leader in a number of volunteer activities (that will be reduced soon); teaching civics to people who are studying for their U.S. citizenship test; and popping up here-and-there as the “old-fart sage” (some call “civitus emeritus” LOL).

Regardless of how busy I appear to be via this blog, I am never too busy to hear from friends or family. I may not have time enough to write a lengthy reply to the likes of a Michener novel, but I can — and want to — keep connected and just say “hi.”

So “hi!”

Life is short: keep connected with your friends and family.