Learn an instrument, make a movie, trace your family tree, get your photos in order, write to 10 friends who don't have computers, paint a picture, read the biographies of all the Presidents of the USA. Start there Ethyl and then make your own list of things you can do while you watch your husband getting better and better.

I've always thought we used the "I work full time" thing to mask the fact that we don't really have the inner resources to fill in 24 hours a day so now is the time to learn that skill for yourself. The pioneer women had to do it and by heck! we can too.

Seriously, please look at the wonderful job you have done over the last twelve months and give yourself a break. You are a wonderful woman and your hubby should value you above rubies.

(((Hugs ))) from Sue.

hi Ethyl:

welcome to wonderful world of blogging. I have found blogging very theruprtic for writers as well as readers. I feel more you allow Bruce to do for himself, bettter it will be for both of you. I know initially it's hard to let go, but more you let go, closer you become. you can start with small time slot in the house of leaving him alone & later increase it & give him cell phonr & remind him you are just one click away.

Asha

Ethyl

It sounds like you and Bruce have come along way. I know that as a caregiver you have done alot of work. I must say that you have done a superb job.

Life is different post stroke. But, it does sound like Bruce is able to be left alone for short periods of time. You will become more cofortable with that idea as time progresses.

Keep up the good work.

Keep blogging it is good for the soul.

Ruth

All I can say is keep on pushing it does get better, not easier but a bit better where you don't mind getting up in the mornings. I keep thinking it only took seconds for the stroke to get me, now it will take a lifetime for me to get better at least some.

So thank the man above Bruce is a survivor with a chance to get better day by day.

Thank you all for the input. Well, I let him be while I watched some of the Super Bowl yesterday. I could hear him wheeling around the house, but I didn't jump up to help. I could hear him "tinkering" with stuff - not like the stove or anything. And come to find out mister had reset the Thermostat. The furnace went on every 20 minutes and the house was at 70 degrees. I finally found the stupid manual at 2 am and got the thing reprogrammed, I think. Still wasn't right this morning but we had to get to therapy, played with it again when we got home and it just kicked down to 55 degrees for overnight, so I think I may be in the clear. So Hostsue adding to your list, get the manuals for all the household appliances in one place, categorized. Thanks again and I needed that laugh.

OH Ethyl,

I just thought of something else for you two to get back into doing since he is improving greatly.....SEX, with a little help from you, his life will jump to it and you can get some much needed rest. Now what you think about that idea????