It’s been a while since I updated here. I’ve been busy maintaining my YouTube channel, and that has taken up most of my free time. However, I now have a lot more free time because, as of a week ago, a professional caregiver started working for me. She arrives every day at 7:30 in the morning and stays until 2 PM. It’s been an incredible weight off my shoulders. Besides taking care of Heather, she also helps with cleaning, doing laundry, and organizing the house. I told her I see her as the household manager and that she should feel free to make whatever decisions she thinks are best. She’s in her 50s and has over 20 years of experience, so she definitely knows more about this than I do—and that’s been very obvious in the past week!
Here’s a video that captures most of what’s been happening lately. (The young woman helping Heather in this video thumbnail is actually the main caregiver‘s equally capable daughter .)
Heather’s health continues to decline. Her muscles seem to be stiffening a bit… she shuffles when we go for a walk around the block, among other things, but she seems slightly more engaged in terms of speech comprehension. I restarted her on a prescription a few weeks ago, and I wonder if that’s making a difference. It’s very subtle, but she’s been laughing at jokes and TV comedies more lately, at times when I would have expected her to be uninterested. It’s always a pleasant surprise.
The YouTube channel has been a great distraction for me. It’s grown to over 10,000 subscribers in just a couple of months—which was a complete surprise! I keep things pretty raw and unscripted, though I do enjoy some simple video editing. I think it’s the mental exercise that keeps it fun for me. The thousands of positive comments from all over the world have been amazing! It shows me that people are really looking for empathy-based content and genuine experiences, and I think that’s a great sign.
It was also really exciting to see Hetty’s book launch. I’ve given a couple copies to the Northwood day program, and they’ve really enjoyed it—from the detailed background info to all the activities. Hetty is handling the rest of the marketing and sales, and I’m sure it’s going to help a lot of people.
I’m on my own this weekend with Heather, but you know what? It’s going to be just fine. I’m well-rested, the house is spotless, and I have no worries on my mind at all. Thanks to having my caregivers during the week, I can give Heather the best companionship and care this weekend without any stress.
As always, I’m so grateful for all the feedback, support, and positive energy I receive from people I don’t even know, both here on the blog, on YouTube, and elsewhere. It really lifts my spirits.
How wonderful that you have help. It can make all the difference. Really good that Heather has laughed and smiled at things. Bits of encouragement Eve though she is deteriorating in others. Hope you had a good weekend with Heather. Small things can bring so much joy 😊! Your physical, emotional and mental are important too. Love Jan ❤
That’s so good to hear, John. Praying it continues to go well.