For some time now Anthony has had diffculty with his phone at the nursing lodge. He forgot how to use it to ring me ages ago, but now it seems he has also forgotten how to answer it.
I couldn’t get into town to see him today and I nearly went mad tonight, trying his phone. Usually I ring the nursing staff to help him answer his phone and they are wonderful, but I thought I’d give them a break tonight.
Ming and I will see Ants tomorrow and that’s great but I worry so much about Ants being cold. He feels the cold terribly and winter is approaching.
I’m having a hard time coping, so am taking a break from reading other blogs for a few days so I can figure a few things out – including Anthony’s telephone!
jmgoyder 
Hang in Jules…take what you need. This coping shit sucks, but what you’re doing is just that…coping. You are surrounded you know…reach out when you feel like it. Love you
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There are more important things to do.
Julie, you take all the time you need … to figure things out *smile – hope you get a good day tomorrow and that Ant’s cold will ease *smile – will be here … and I will miss you.
Thinking of you x
Your family is far, far more important than our blogs. Please just keep us in the loop! We are concerned for you. Lots of hugs and love dear friend!!
Hugs Jules!
Julies, You do what is necessary, and remember you have a ton and a half of friends out here that will help you in any way they can. Please take care, Bill
do whatever you need to take care of yourself:)
This is so difficult for you – and so frustrating. Sometimes, though, you need to go through other people. Just check with the nurses if it is okay they help him with the phone. Maybe not everyday but certainly on the days you do not get to see them. Sometimes we do not want to take advantage of others but there are times when we need others to help us. It would certainly cause you less stress.
Sending hugs Julie — I can imagine your frustration. Deep breaths… find your center and hang out there for a bit. Lots of Love from across the seas… x
Understand completely…Take care…Diane
I have nothing more to add to what has already been said, except to add myself to the list of those who love and support you. Take care of yourself, Julie.
Take care and do what you have to. Holding you in my heart and sending good thoughts to you. Hope today’s a better day.
Telephone stuff is so difficult with aging and dementia stricken folks. I have to yell when I talk to my mom, probably because she has the phone upside down. It is hard enough being far away, but having no adequate contact is frustrating. Today, my sisters are moving her from assisted living to a nursing home, and I wonder if phone contact will be easier or harder. Argh. Sigh.
I know a thing or two about keeping warm as I spend a lot of time outdoors. You could get Anthony some merino wool teeshirts. These are very warm and only need washed every few weeks as merino wool does not retain odours.
I have three and I wear them over the winter as it also saves washing too many clothes and having to get them dried. Wash them by hand in luke-warm water with special wool- ash soap and roll up in a towel to get the excess moisture from them. Don’t tumble dry or wash in soap powder and never dry in direct sunshine as you will ruin the wool
If the torso is properly insulated, the rest of the extremities will be as well.
Also the small merino fingerless gloves are very handy and Anthony can wear them during the day to keep his hands toasty warm.
Finally a nice hat woollen will keep in the body heat in. New Zealand merino wool is usually sold in the UK rather than Australian merino. Scottish woollens are also very good but are quite expensive, as they tend to be made for the luxury end of the market, along with smoked salmon and malt whisky.
Check out the mobile phones with the big buttons as they might be a help to Anthony as he may be able to work them easier.
take as many breaks as you need darling girl.. c
I hope you can figure something out with the phone. How frustrating. I really appreciate your sharing your’s and “Ant’s” story. I think the families are often overlooked in how a disease affects them as well. Blessings.
Good luck with the phone thing Julie and I hope you have an awesome visit with Anthony tomorrow.
xo
I don’t know if they still do, but BCC did sell beautiful heat packs, made by the kids, at very reasonable prices through the front office.
How sad that he has forgotten how to use the phone but you are lucky that the staff are so good with helping him to answer the phone not all nursing places have such caring staff
I wish you luck and I hope everything is well.
Hugs and Love, nia
It’s astonishing the various – various things you have to deal with. You’re a magnificent wife… partner.
Understand the ‘I am having a hard time coping’ so well at the moment. It goes in waves of coping and not coping. Hang in there Julie. I am with you.
I know you know how iy is – thank you Elizaceth/
Hope inspiration struck, but if it didn’t, hope you cope brilliantly, as usual. Came back from vacation and read your post about turning 55. Loved it! My husband told friends that I was older than he was–and made up different ages for me–so often, that I forgot my real age too. Was sort of shocked that I was so “young” when I had a birthday.
We youngies need to stick together!
KEEPING YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
You are so kind – thank you.
You said it yourself, Julie, the nursing staff is “wonderful.” Trust that they will take care of Ants. {{{hugs}}} Kozo
True.
Julie, I just realized that I gave unsolicited advice. I apologize. Being a typical man, I tried to solve rather than console. Have patience, I’m still a work in progress. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Having just taken time off to do other things, I encourage you to take all the time you need. Take care of yourself
Trying to – so sick of being so needed.
Just popping back to see how you are doing dear friend. Thinking of you.
Hanging in there I guess.
You are strong and resilient. You will get through this. It is good to mourn the losses bit by bit…It is better than one humongous shock all of a sudden. Does not make it easier but just breaks down the pain into bite size pieces. Hang in there my friend. Lots of hugs and love.
Bite size – good idea. You are a legend, Tersia.