My Father is 77 years old and has Dementia and Aphasia.  My Husband Gary and I,have been taking care of him since August 2005.  It was easier for us to care for him at our house so we just moved him in.  My Father is a great man, he is kind, sweet, and good natured.  The Dementia has really taken it's toll on him.  He has gotten to the point where he can't do anything alone anymore.  He can't even get himself something to drink.  In the past few years I have seen this disease take it's toll on him, and it just breaks my heart.  It takes most our my time.taking care of him.  I love to make Jewelry and this is something that I can do with my Father.  I have to watch him constantly, but he really loves to stay busy and there is so few things that he is still able to accomplish now.  It seems like I am in one Doctor's office after another with him, but it is all worth it.  There is times he can't remember my name, but he always remembers that he loves me.  He treats me with kindness and love, and I know he get scared at times when he can't see me.  He depends on me to take care of him.  I am just so thankful that I am married to a man that lets my father live with us and who consume all my time. 

MY FATHER

     I also suffer from RSD, which is a painful syndrome that never goes away.  At times I can't even walk to the living room with out a cane.  Sometimes it is almost impossible for me to get to the kitchen to fix Dad's Breakfast and Lunch.  On those days, my husband fixes his dinner when he gets in from work.  It is really hard taking care of someone who is so helpless and dependant on you.  I can't go places with friends anymore because I have to take care of dad.  So at times it gets really lonely.  I enjoy selling off Ebay because it allows me contact with the outside world.  I like making people happy, and I enjoy the challange of finding items that will sell.