tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post9031059083881008354..comments2024-01-04T09:23:45.843-05:00Comments on Watching the Lights Go Out: PrideDavid Hilfiker http://www.blogger.com/profile/00479949692410414480noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post-60558571436716903852013-08-27T21:25:55.825-04:002013-08-27T21:25:55.825-04:00I just found this blog tonight and have no idea if...I just found this blog tonight and have no idea if I will find your posts as I read on. I hope so. I'm in similar circumstances to yours (female, 70, living alone, no kids) and uneasy about my own cognitive status. I'd welcome your thoughts and wish you well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post-29898945573440814712013-07-21T23:16:36.534-04:002013-07-21T23:16:36.534-04:00Thank you for your suggestion last week that I add...Thank you for your suggestion last week that I add my thoughts on dealing with this while living alone and w/o children, near or far. I'm thinking and reflecting and will write when I might have something of interest to others and/or greatly clarifying to myself. Madagascarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03206920376051956832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post-1941660318238669722013-07-21T23:12:17.506-04:002013-07-21T23:12:17.506-04:00What a wise and wonderful stream of comments.What a wise and wonderful stream of comments.Madagascarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03206920376051956832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post-84251751023899198472013-07-21T20:52:42.093-04:002013-07-21T20:52:42.093-04:00I'm struck by your level of introspection. I...I'm struck by your level of introspection. I've never really 'gotten' Paul's statements about weakness but you are helping me see it. I feel blessed to have found your blog and to learn from you on your journey, and I think it's an enormous gift you are giving us all, to share your thoughts so completely. That fact of your open sharing with all of us leads me to believe thatif they have to tell you it's time to step down, you'll be able to take it with the love with which they offer it. Judy Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02652752230765585896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post-30131388659418743382013-07-21T18:37:51.196-04:002013-07-21T18:37:51.196-04:00Both you, Cathy, and Lee Ann are absolutely right....Both you, Cathy, and Lee Ann are absolutely right. To make matters more complicated, it's difficult for me to convert my head knowledge into heart knowledge. Intellectually I "know" much of what you've said, but it needs to be converted into heart knowledge. Once I was able to recognize the pride involved, than I could open myself up more deeply to the community's support.<br />A number of people have indicated, Cathy, that the community is drawing closer to each other because of my illness and Marja's and my need for support. Amazing what gifts tragedy can bring!David Hilfiker https://www.blogger.com/profile/00479949692410414480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post-65181509658478864992013-07-21T16:19:56.343-04:002013-07-21T16:19:56.343-04:00Lee An is right. Actually you may be keeping the ...Lee An is right. Actually you may be keeping the AD at bay by your involvement in your group. I wouldn't concern myself with committing the sin of pride, since just by acknowledging that you are afraid of it, you have kept that from happening.<br /><br />I would never have believed that someone could continue to put a new spin on the disease, week after week, as you have Dr....your mind is much sharper than mine!<br /><br />My read on your situation is that you not only may be helping yourself, but you may be increasing the group cohesiveness and allowing each of the members to do a good deed, if need be, by telling you if you are slipping. I know that none of them would consider you a "burden." I certainly wouldn't, given the circumstances. Put yourself in their shoes and I'm sure you would be honored to help another member out in this way.<br /><br />That said, I know that you are worried about the humiliation involved. My guess is that a) it won't be necessary at all and b) you will volunteer when you know the time is right. But if your worst fears come true and they ask you to retire, then you will give them the opportunity to be loving and supportive and that will enhance THEIR lives.Cathynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post-1948657761370097762013-07-21T15:25:49.067-04:002013-07-21T15:25:49.067-04:00don't try to die too early. You have an illne...don't try to die too early. You have an illness, you do not have a character flaw. Its not your fault. When and if you get to the point where you are not helping, it still will not be your fault. Its nothing personal, its an illness. And since you want to live until you die, enjoy your life, your travels, your connection to others. If, someday, you lose some of that connection, at least you will have done what you can in this world to make it a better place for everyone. When you get to the point where you are more work for them than you are a help, only then give it up. But live until then, do what you can, love as much as you can. We may all die before you ever need a home. So live and laugh and love. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02560132598266108913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426202096598051070.post-61100436663443350972013-07-21T15:11:20.235-04:002013-07-21T15:11:20.235-04:00So much harder to receive than to give. And you a...So much harder to receive than to give. And you are right that it is pride that holds us back. Maybe a survival mechanism when we are uncertain of others' love. I seem to need to hear this message over and over!LenapeGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10335919271003928795noreply@blogger.com