After a few really, really bad days I was near a breakdown.  I remembered that I had screen shot a caregivers support group and vaguely knew it was on a Wednesday.  With someone here to sit with Duane, tears running down my cheeks and it being 9:52 am I raced out.  

I got to the meeting a few minutes late and they welcomed me in.  At this meeting we went around the table and everyone introduced themselves; explained and talked about their loved one and what issues they were facing.  I spent the first 20 minutes drying my tears and surveying the room.  It quickly because apparent to me that I was at least 20 – more like 35 years younger than everyone else there.  Then I began to really, really listen to what they were saying.

HOLY CRAP!!!!  I’m in the wrong place.  

This is a support group for people who are caregivers or spouses for people with Alzheimers and Dementia.  OOPS!!! I quietly walked up to the leader and explained through tears what happened – she told me to stay.  

It was my time to share…. As soon as I opened my mouth the tears started flowing, tissues and napkins were coming at me and mouths were open.   As my story poured out all of these people offered sympathy and advice and PURE LOVE.  It was amazing.  I apologized for being in the wrong place and they all invited me to come back.  This was the most amazing group of people I have ever met.  When the meeting was over so many people came up to me and hugged me, gave me their number and offered support and love.  The best part of my day was when a group of three 80-ish year olds came up to me and said “Will you please come back?  When we hear you speak we realize our lives are pretty good.”  Seriously made me day!!!

– xoxo Victoria