Upper radiator hose blew-2002 Ford Windstar SEL

[Snikwahjm]

I took care of my mother for three years until she died a year ago. A nursing home is never the same as being cared for by loved ones. We had our moments when things were frustrating and not very pretty, but we had some good times, too. She, too had dementia, mini strokes, diabetes, thyroid issues, balance and swallowing issues, etc. Dad had dementia - it was worse as long as he was on blood thinners... I think he mostly lost his ability to reason. He also had congestive heart failure. Being a caretaker is a very hard thing to live through. There is never a good ending. After they died I battled a lot of grief anger and anger issues I had built up over the years. It’s been a tough year working through those ^ issues plus working on a derelict house. I don’t know my way around any of it. I wish I had dealt with some of before they died... there just wasn’t time to get out of there and find support. If you can seek some kind of help if only to vent a little to someone who isn’t significant to you. Those significant to you don’t want to hear it and they just won’t get it anyway. Take care of yourself a bit. Plot and plan for the day you can get out and about. Being a care taker at least for me was very close to being in jail. When I got out of there I was supposed to suddenly pick up my life and move on. My old life was gone. Most of my friends moved on, family doesn’t understand the care taker issues at all. Maybe some PTSD. It is a lot more complicated than I thought. You not only have a new reality but you have grief and caretaker syndrome issues to deal with at the same time. They care calling it complicated grief. Other people close to you won’t have the same grief or reality to deal with as you. Some times that is when they choose to abandon you. You are doing the right thing to stand by her and take care of her. I admire you for that. It isn’t easy, hang in there. It can be very discouraging but it is the very best you can do for her. I believe there are other former caretakers on board here and some who still are taking care. This is an Ain’t Right group if there ever was one and I’m thankful to be sharing in this group. There is hope for me to break free of the rut I’m in and move on some time.