I’m not sure how long it took me to actually accept my husband’s diagnosis, perhaps I am still trying to get my head around it. After all, things seem to change for us on a daily basis. What I do know is that recognizing and understanding the enormity of some of the impacts on our lives has been difficult. I also know that if I’m not able to accept the challenges he faces, I can’t support him as fully as I want.

It’s a tough road as a Caring Partner. I am asked to be prepared for whatever this diagnosis might bring. I won’t say I don’t have a clue because I do. I’ve seen what it did to my father. I ‘ve watched other friends on their journeys. I know that there is a chance my husband will develop dementia as things progress. I know that his physical needs are going to get bigger and that one day I may not be able to manage. I know that he is not going to get better, this is a chronic diagnosis that will be with us for the rest of his life.

It really is no wonder that I have a hard time accepting this is what our lives are going to be. It is no wonder that sometimes I have to fight back tears as consider the life we should have had. Yet, as difficult as acceptance may be, the alternative is much worse. So, I find a way to accept and move forward in gratitude because I get to share my life with a wonderful man. Whatever that life looks like, we’ll make it work.