Well 2012 hasn’t been real pretty. We have been beaten down, frustrated, stressed out, exhausted, overwhelmed and weary. We had to deal with a busy spring sports schedule and then the angry outbursts of Alzheimer’s. (You can read more about that here). We traveled a ton this past summer for Tyler’s baseball team, I did a lot of driving and really missed Curt’s great driving skills and endurance! Curt continued his downward spiral into the black hole of Alzheimer’s and has lost much of what we love about him. But the man still retains a strong sense of humor which we are thankful for.
But along with such gloom and doom I learned a few things in 2012!
I have seen the incredible goodness, care and love people have shown our family. I have learned that friends and family can make a huge difference in the lives of people they care for simply by lending a listening ear, bringing dinner, helping with the practical things of life (yard work and laundry), sharing a hug at just the right time and sending text or note of encouragement. I can’t tell you how many times dear friends and family have pulled me out of the miry pit by lending that hand of encouragement and practical help!
I have learned to worry less!!! There has been SO many things I have worried about in this whole journey….who will I find to care for Curt while I am at school, how will I figure out all this financial stuff, how are we going to pay for long term care, etc. etc. etc……..So many of my worries have all come to work out in ways I could not even imagine or have planned for. God provides!
I have learned that my plans are not always God’s plans. This one is a tough one for me, as I am such a planner. Curt and I had plans to retire early, pay off our house, travel…..but God has other plans for us and I am slowly learning to trust in His plans and not mine.
I have learned that the Keurig Coffee brewer is one of the best inventions ever.
I have learned that when you are down and out, cry, have a pity party, go all out! But when the cry is over, pick yourself up and move on, don’t stay in that place, it just isn’t worth it. It will do no good to stay there and dwell about the misery of your current situation. Move on, laugh a little, Pray a LOT, make fun of your self a little, lighten up and MOVE ON!
I have learned that a sense of humor can go a long way. Oh and let me assure you our family has always had a sense of humor. If you know us, you know this to be quite true. Laughter truly is good medicine. 🙂
I have learned to have fun with family! Even if things are looking grim, do something fun. I have found that doing something fun and silly just helps to eliminate the doom and gloom stress of living with a fatal disease!
And last but certainly not least, I have learned that no matter what is going on in our lives, I still hate doing laundry! 🙂
I stuck in a few fun pics from Christmas into this post. Don’t you love this great picture of Tyler and Isaac! Isaac is our Fresh Air Fund young man that has come to stay at our house the last 10 summers! This year he got to come and stay with us for Christmas!! It was so much fun to have Isaac here for Christmas!
So 2013, Welcome!
I have NO IDEA what this year will bring, but I know I will continue to trust in Jesus, enjoy my dark chocolate and rely on the things I learned in 2012!
Jesus and Dark Chocolate 
Hi Sandy,
Your blogs make me laugh and cry and I thank you for your honesty…..
Really appreciate you all.
Peaches
Ditto so much of what you said. Love how you express it. Still wishing we could have that cup of coffee. Hugs!
I would imagine everyday is a learning session for you and as difficult it is for you, the Lord
has helped you handle it well. The only thing I can really help with is prayer, and you have that everyday. Thinking about you all.
What I learned is that when you think you can be a blessing to others and lend a helping hand…. what you get back in return is amazing, precious and priceless!!! Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside of you. So many people shut others out when they’re hurting… you ALL are remarkable!!!!
I think of you and your family so often. Alzheimer’s is such an ugly disease and especially in your handsome, young husband and father to your children. I pray for God’s protection and care for your family and give thanks that friends are helping in practical ways. I know you don’t always feel this way, but you ARE a remarkable young woman. Bless you…
loved reading this Sandy!!! you are quite a brave woman and so full of faith….just an encouragment for the rest of us who can only IMAGINE what you are going through. God bless you in this new calender year.
Thank you for the update Sandy! I will keep praying for strength for each new day! Curt was always a fun guy. We have to be thankful for all the time the Lord gives us with our loved ones and remember he sees the big picture! Hang in there!! Denise Lyle
As always, In our prayers a for all
I understand all your heartaches and frustrations because my husband had Parkenism with Alzheimers and Vascular Dementia. I recommend you check out the website Thealzheimerspouse.com for support from many others dealing with Alzheimer spouses. The message boards are invaluable. Prayers.