If I want to have a good relationship with my husband, it is vital that I make time for positive encounters. Too many of our interactions have become rote with me telling him to stand up straight or walk with purpose. He is not my child, he is my husband. If I take the time to see the person beyond the illness, I relate to him on a different level with love and kindness.

We were sitting on the couch the other evening and he smiled at something I said. With tears in my eyes, I thanked him and told him how much I love his smile. It isn’t always words, sometimes it’s a look across the room or shared laughter. I may take his hand when we are walking or reach out and touch him as I walk by. Those non-verbal moments are important too. 

There are many good times in our days, and I need to recognize them. There are always going to be opportunities for me to make negative comments that focus on this disease. That is not the person I want to be, which makes it essential that I try to counteract those thoughts and feelings. Looking for and calling out positive moments helps me stay connected to positive energy within myself and makes me a kinder, better CarePartner and spouse.