My Loves
Semester over – check. Metings go on for a bit, but my grades are in and it’s odd (as always) when the year ends; people you’ll miss and likely not see again and people you’re glad not to be dealing with anymore!
Over the weekend we visited my eldest son who’s finishing up his Masters degree – and we had the lovely surprise of meeting his new girlfriend. Finally, someone who suits him and vice-versa. Photos of her may come later – if he’s lucky!
We spent Saturday and Sunday with Frank and stayed at his apartment, which was a lovely plan. It was, however, way too much for Paul. I can’t believe how fast he’s declining. Today others have talked about the unexpected things and it does help to know I’m not alone; I have no frustration anger or resentment for the things he now needs help with but it’s hard not to “crack” when I remember him scampering barefoot up a 30′ rock wall in a nearby gorge (that has a great swimming hole) only two years ago. Seeing him hobble in pain is tragic.
Yesterday he got news from a relative who’s in the field and just learned of a new drug trial/study that may help with the pain - let’s certainly hope so. Also on the hope list is that it would stop raining!! I’m trying to sell my former house, and have just learned it has close to three feet of water in the cellar – the highest level Lake Champlain has reached in something like 75 years.
Hope it’s sunny wherever you are when you read this!
You are a disruptor. The delivery of health care starts with you, continues because of you, and ends with you. Let's disrupt together to make the world better for family caregivers. 
Denise
Hi–Congrats to your son on his two accomplishments–his Masters and his new love.
The jolts about the decline can knock you below the knees, can’t they? It’s almost like time suddenly speeds up when it was just standing still. Always so good to read your updates. Keep us posted.
Trish
Jennifer, Congrats to your son on his graduation (and on the girlfriend front as well)! You must be a caring professor if you have such thoughts about the end of the semester. It’s funny that so many of us are seeing drastic changes or new behaviors right now. (“Funny” is obviously not the right word).
This group really helps bring some peace since we know we aren’t alone. You can tell how much you love Paul when describing the scampering that you miss as well as the hope that the pain relief treatment may bring. I hope that works for Paul and you both get rest and relaxation and comfort during the semester break. Take care.
Bette
Hi Jennifer,
Congratulations to your son, and to you that the semester is over and your grades are finished (:
I’m sorry about the declines you are seeing in Paul. I wish I could find the words to comfort you, but you are right, you are not alone and I hope you find some comfort in knowing that. I hope that the new medicine you spoke of gives Paul some relief (and you as well). It’s so hard to see someone suffer and not be able to take that away for them.
I am thinking as a college professor you are very organized–amongst that, a list maker? (I definitely am) Caregiving is so different in that we can’t check things off as readily, and just when I think I have, the concern or worry comes back. Not the most settled feeling that’s for sure.
Thinking of you and hoping the meetings end soon and that you and Paul have some more relaxed time together.
We have had so much rain here as well (PA) I hope all works out with your house and the water is cleaned up soon. Take Care.