My Favorite Guy has added a chemotherapy capsule to his daily diet of Parkinson’s meds. A blood disorder, maybe inherited, called JAK2. Octogenarianism isn’t what we’d anticipated.
Our life together gets a little smaller each week, learning to navigate these new medical places and learning almost a new language. Guy, a Vietnam vet, is still my caretaker, since age-related drawbacks have added to the dailiness of fibromyalgia symptoms, punctuated by diverticulitis. At some point, we may not be able to figure out who is doing the most caretaking, but we’re thankful for caring medical people and friends who keep track of us well.
Probably the hardest part for both of us is dealing with the challenges of exhaustion, some days more than others.
I have so little energy and haven’t been able to keep up with several websites I follow. I know those of you who usually get feedback from me will understand.
My next manuscript was to be finished by now, or nearly so. It looks now like it will be after the first of the year.
But God has given us both eighty years this side of heaven, fifty-eight of them together. We’re aging gratefully.
You two are an inspiration to everyone younger, both in the length of your marriage to each other and your production in spite of health issues. I’ll be turning 70 soon, and I hope I can age as gracefully as you two are.
Bless you, Dennis.
Fifty-Eight years. What a blessing, Joy.
Thank you, John.
😊
Hopefully God will bless you with even more. My prayers are with y’all. But congratulations on your wonderful life together
Thank you, my dear.
It’s difficult stuff to deal with. You’re in my prayers and don’t worry too much about that manuscript — it will get done, the timescale doesn’t matter.
You are so right, Andrew. Guy’s dealing with another cancer you’re familiar with, but in the wait-six-month stage.
I hate that wait and see stuff, but that’s what you have to do.
Yup. He’s got plenty to juggle otherwise!
Sorry for this added burden, it’s an unfortunate accompaniment to aging. Being the same age and having been blessed with the same number of years of marriage, I get the “who’s taking are of whom” thing. My prayers are with you.
Guy’s mother is 101 (and may not last the week–he’s up with them today) so we think we’re “not old,” even though those number say yes we are. Thank you, Bob. Trusting the Lord with each new day.
Oh Joy, I am so sorry things are so rough right now for you and Guy. I am praying for some relief for you both–and some joy (NOT a pun). XO
Thank you, Luanne. I pray for you as well, knowing a little about your challenges.
Thank you so much, Joy.
Wishing you well as you navigate the continuing challenges life presents you. You are so fortunate to have each other and for so long together! Amazing all the things you’ve accomplished since taking on the Leora stories.
Thank you, Eilene. It helps (kinda) to be mainly homebound, but also needs brain energy, which is a biggie some days!
My heart goes out to both of you. You are so fortunate to have each other. That’s what matters most.
You are so right. Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Joy.
Wow. Praying for you guys.
Thank you, Rich.
You both have a positive outlook on the past and present! You two make a match that many of us can only dream of! Joy and Guy, you are both in my prayers.
Thank you, GP.
Angels attend!
Yes! Thank you, Annette.
58 years together is a blessing! I hope the Lord will continue blessing you both, Joy. 💖🙏
Yes, thank you, Tim!
Joy, I do understand. The road is negotiable in Jesus. Prayers for you both.
Blessings in the bobble.
Alan
Amen, Alan. Thank you. I pray for you, your wife, and your mother as well.
You and Guy both appear to be a customized fit. You both “look” vibrant in your picture together. I’ve been praying for you daily, Joy, but I’ll also include Guy now. God bless you both. 🙂
Thank you, Nancy. It was taken a couple of years ago but we don’t have any newer ones. A little more stooped, a few more wrinkles. ha
Your inner beauty shines through.
You have an amazing life together Joy and you still take the time to share your wonderful family history with us. I know the fatigue saps the will at times to keep going but it sounds like you are both in good hands and have a wonderful support system. I am very grateful for the support you provide me on websites such as Linkedin and it is appreciated.♥
Oh, bless you, Sally. All the extra office visits are challenging, and he’s got four already for December. The new one was a surprise. It just showed up during a preop exam for an outpatient procedure, but they sent him to a cancer center instead. Looks like it’s something genetic so he’s warned other family members.