Refreshed

Well, I had the most amazing time in France and have returned home restored and refreshed. The trip was just glorious, very relaxing and indulgent, with much wine, cheese, baguette and pate eaten. It was lovely just stopping off at the small towns, cycling in for supplies and enjoying the relaxing long evenings on the boat. The scenery in rural France is just gorgeous - old crumbling buildings, narrow cobbled streets, churches up on cliffs, chateaus and vineyards, remarkable ancient bridges and beautiful summer flowers all over. I so enjoyed Jane and Craig's company, along with their children and the other to families that joined us - it was so refreshing to connect with adults and enjoy long evenings with delish wine and food. I haven't dared step on the scales yet! It was so special to have some time not being responsible for anyone - in fact, being that one that was looked after and taken care of so well. How wonderful to enjoy the company of dear friends, and to feel valued and appreciated.

Coming home has been an adjustment. Ron presents new challenges almost daily. He's been getting up at night, I hear from Glyn, on two occasions, showering and dressing at 2 am, and worryingly, I learned from his mum that he actually went outside in the middle of the night when he was in Vancouver. Then he's having trouble with personal care details - when asked to brush his teeth, he filled the basin with water and put his head in, or this morning couldn't understand what to do when I gave him his undies to put on....Last night when he was to put on his pj's he ended up dressing in a pair of shorts and daytime shirt - it seems he is unaware of the time of day and what's appropriate. I have also been increasingly concerned that Ron may be depressed, he sometimes seems lucid about his condition, and has been tearful on occasion - I find this very distressing and difficult to know how to manage. Tomorrow the psychiatrist is coming to assess him, with a view to trying out medications. My mind is increasingly turning to thoughts of getting a live-in care giver, or even - as suggested by my mother-in-law today- placing him into care. It all seems quite overwhelming and exhausting to me to navigate these waters. My primary concern is Ron's well being - and what would work best for him. I am going to look into getting some councilling to help me with managing the turmoil of emotion I am in.