[Suzanne R]

Vee, I like your appellation of care-partner. I tell my partner the same thing, that we’re in this together for the long haul. But I’m really struggling in my role, trying to find the right balance between quiet, practical support (taking care of the daily routines of shopping, cooking, cleaning, working), being present in order to create a safe place should he choose to talk, and advocate. But as we’ve progressed over the 18 months since his diagnosis, it feels like we’re slipping further apart. There’s a lot of silence and anger on his part. He was an extremely active outdoorsman, and it breaks my heart to see the little old man he’s becoming before my eyes. When I try to encourage him, he’ll often turn on me, telling me I don’t know what it’s like. Other times he’s thankful for my presence. I know that deep down, he’s frightened. It’s just so hard to know what to do.