The Necklace
David's illness had gotten so bad that I had to buy my own gifts for under the tree. This Christmas there would be a miracle
David has Huntington’s disease, a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder. For 10 years I had taken care of him in the house where we had raised our two boys, but his illness progressed to the point where he couldn’t stand or walk anymore. He couldn’t feed or bathe himself. It had all become too much for me. We found a good nursing home where I could visit him every day, but I still couldn’t get used to seeing my husband, barely 50, surrounded by residents decades older.
Huntington’s was changing who he was, turning him into someone I didn’t know. Increasingly I had to imagine who he had been: laid-back, outgoing, positive, not the stranger I saw before me. Now there were mood swings. Angry outbursts. I couldn’t blame him for feeling frustrated at being trapped in a failing body, at having to struggle to put together two- or three-word sentences. But I couldn’t really accept it either.
Celebrate the holiday season with a FREE copy of
Daily Guideposts when you subscribe
to Guideposts Magazine,
and make 2010 your year of inspiration!
Contests
Enter for a chance to win these inspiring prizes. Good luck!
• Lift Your Spirit Giveaway
• Healthy Cook Gift Card Giveaway
Be part of Guideposts
We are a nonprofit company that searches far and wide to find, create and distribute the best inspirational stories that help you, your friends and family live a more positive, faith-filled life.
Help us with our mission:
— it might inspire someone else!
— Help us in our search. Millions of people like you rely on us!
Comments
Please login in order to post your comments.