My Journal of Jean's Last Days

My love and caring for my wife, Billie Jean, is depicted chronologically in this document. We were married for more than fifty years and had an interesting and loving relationship. After she was stricken with a stroke, I spent the last seven years caring for her. This was an unexpected change in our lifestyle. We had been active in many activities that were very limited or ended for both of us due to her illness. I had faced numerous challenges in my life, as a soldier, but caring for her was the most demanding task that I had ever performed. Even though taking care of her required much time and effort, it was never considered to be a burden. I simply did what was required to make sure all of her needs were met. Jean was my high school sweetheart and best friend. We married while she was a student in college and I was enlisted in the army. After she finished college, she joined me and supported my military career. She retired from the Army/Air Force Exchange Service where she worked as store manager for her last eight years. For many years, Jean suffered from hypertension. Often, her interest in various activities was a priority to her, as opposed to taking care of her medical needs. I guess I was so involved in some personal interests that I didn't think to remind her to check her blood pressure or take her medicine. Looking back at the progression of circumstances, I can remember some things that happened that could have been signs of a problem. However, hindsight is often better than foresight. Her illness was upon us and we had to deal with it. Relying on prayer, family and support of friends caused me to be hopeful that the challenge we were facing would be temporary and everything would be okay. However, that did not occur. Men are caregivers too...