Caring Today Community -

• My Story

On June 2, 2009, my husband suffered a stroke that virtually destroyed the right hemisphere of his brain. The swelling was so severe that he had to have a portion of his skull temporarily removed to save his life. The stroke left him paralyzed on the left side of his body. He requires help with everything from toileting to dressing.

Even though Gary's mother, father, and only sibling all live within a half-hour drive from our house, they will not step in to stay with him (not even for a single day) so that I can get some rest. In the nearly two years since his stroke, I have been out of the house for the day once, and even that little day trip was only for a few hours.

In addition to this, I am the sole provider until his SS disability comes through. Fortunately I had already worked at home, so I didn't have to give up a good job or benefits. And God bless the state of NJ for providing both of us with wonderful medical care. But I need to work long hours just to make ends meet. I have had to apply for assistance to pay our utility bills and may have to apply for rental assistance as well.

Lately I have had the comfort of reconnecting with a beloved cousin. Even though she lives quite far from me, we keep in touch almost daily via phone and Facebook. Aside from her, though, I have no support system at all.

Mostly, I'm just tired. I desperately want a few days away by myself. I am a passionate reader and would love to be able to read a book for hours. But guess what? I really want to spend a day without having to talk! Just total silence for one whole day.

Well, that's all about me. God bless all of you as you travel this difficult road we're on.

Love,
Liz