We spent a few days in Vegas last month. Imagine my surprise when, after checking into our hotel, I looked at my phone and learned we were in “Paradise”. Granted it was Paradise, Nevada, but it did make me chuckle. And it reminded me that perception is everything. I am sure that section of the Nevada desert probably did look really good to someone once upon a time and so they named it Paradise. For what it’s worth, being there with my husband was pretty good too.

Daily living as a PD CarePartner may not be what I was expecting from retirement or what I want it to be, but I do have an opportunity to continue sharing my life with the person I love. When the challenges begin to overshadow the joy, I will step back and find ways to protect our precious relationship. The day may come when we need help, including respite, with the understanding that eventually I may not be the best person to provide caregiving services. No matter what the future brings, I will remember that Paradise lives in my husband’s arms and I will do what it takes to protect the joy and the love that we find there together.