Thankful

Thankful...

I am grateful for family and friends who:

·      take my husband out to eat when I have other appointments.

·      call  or text asking how I am doing and then lovingly listen.

·      call and talk to my husband, not asking questions because they are too difficult to answer, but reminiscing old times.

·      do puzzles with him and kindly ignore when wrong pieces are put together.

·      bring dinner and visit with us.

·      come to family dinners and activities for socializing.

·      go to plays, ballet and concerts with us.

·      take my husband for a Slurpee or ice cream cone and help him buy flowers for me with a love note attached.

·      treat him with love and respect and don’t correct him when he says things that aren’t quite right.

·      think of us or pray for us.

I’m thankful for the many lovely years we’ve spent together.  I’m thankful for the many hours we spend together now walking or hiking, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, doing dishes, folding laundry, and watching TV, hand in hand.

I’m thankful that my husband is loving, gentle, appreciative, and kind to me.  I hope and pray this will continue because I know it doesn’t for everyone with Alzheimer’s.

The disease is progressing.  Life is getting a little more difficult.  But I know I can do hard things.  I know God is watching over and blessing us.

Watching the Lights Go Out and Homemade Chili

 Watching the Lights Go Out and Homemade Quinoa Chili

Today I’d like to recommend a blog and a book.

The blog is Watching the Lights Go Out and can be found at www.davidhilfiker.blogspot.com

David Hilfiker, a medical doctor, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in September 2012. He publishes new posts about every three days, writing and reflecting on his day-to-day life with this disease. Surprisingly, he says it is one of the happiest periods of his life.  I just recently found out about the blog and am appreciating his posts, as well as reader comments.

The book is Losing My Mind  by Thomas DeBaggio. 

Thomas was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease in 2002 at the age of 57. He wrote about his experiences for as long as he was able, passing away in 2011.  I read this book several years ago, and found his documentation of his illness interesting, unsettling and sometimes a bit frightening for what lies ahead of us.

Now for some Caregiver Comfort:

Quinoa Chili

½ onion, diced

1 bell pepper, chopped

1  15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1  15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1  15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

1  14-ounce can diced tomatoes

1  4-ounce can mild green chilies

3  cups water

1  Tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base

2  teaspoons garlic powder

2  teaspoons cumin

2  teaspoons chili powder

1  cup cooked quinoa

Spray large non-stick pan with Pam.  Saute onion and green pepper until onion is translucent.  Add remaining ingredients and heat until chili is hot.  Instead of the water and vegetable base, you can use chicken broth. 

or

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot.  Use ¾ cup uncooked quinoa which has been rinsed thoroughly.  Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.  Stir in salt, but not too much, if you want to keep it healthy.  I don’t add any salt.

After chili is in bowls, you may garnish with guacamole, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and sour cream when serving. 

My husband and I ate it with a large lettuce and fruit salad.

Next time:  Talking to a person with Alzheimer's.