Monday, November 23, 2009

20th anniversary MS caregiver / Thanksgiving

“It was twenty years ago today,
Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play
They've been going in and out of style
But they're guaranteed to raise a smile.
So may I introduce to you
The act you've known for all these years …”
25 YEARS AGO
Patti had the briefest episode of slurred speech and numbness in her fingers.

“Probable MS?” Patti felt fine, never reoccurred. Damn the torpedoes full speed ahead.

20 YEARS AGO
November 1989 … National Zoo, Washington DC.

Thanksgiving morning, 1989, Patti awoke in a different world unable to walk, barely able to see and talk. Thanksgiving Day would end with her hospitalized with first Multiple Sclerosis exacerbation.

THREE YEARS LATER, 1992,
We were living with Multiple Sclerosis AS A FAMILY. scooter sleigh ride (1:16)


TEN YEARS LATER, 1999

"If you find there the meaning of what happiness is … Then a new life will begin”

FIFTEEN YEARS LATER, 2004

The care facility era dawns

SEVENTEEN YEARS LATER, 2006,

“it poured sweet and clear It was a very good year”

And, as of last Thanksgiving  ... we’re still “guaranteed to raise a smile”


Oh yeah, along the spouse caregiver path there was one hernia surgery and my back is sore more than I admit. My first episode of Cluster Headaches occurred that original year, alas my Achilles Heel.

Yet considering that I did not even have a clue as to how I would get through that first overwhelming Thanksgiving, there really are infinite reasons to give thanks!

Thanksgiving wishes to us all, every one!

Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
web site: http://caregivinglyyours.com/
videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer

5 comments:

  1. I think of you each year as this time approaches. To me, you are amazing! It is interesting to see the progression MS has had for your family through the years.

    Hugs,
    Jackie

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  2. Thanksgiving wishes to you, too, Patrick. Thanks for the history marked through Thanksgiving milestones. Caregiving is one hard hand to play ...

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  3. Happy Thanksgiving Patrick, Patti, and Megan! what a strange trip it has been for sure; but the smile still remains (and your humor too)

    I hope the day is an enjoyable one although I know one filled with lots of memories and "what ifs"

    betty

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  4. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that it is one of joy and good health.
    Debbie

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  5. Patrick my wish for you is that in your life, if & when you need it, you get the wonderful care you gave Patti all these years, in return. Patti is a lucky woman to have you as a husband & caregiver.
    ~Mary

    ReplyDelete

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