[KathyM]

Five years ago today, my previously healthy neighbor collapsed from a massive heart attack at the age of 46 while working out at a health club. When he stopped jogging, sat down and slumped over, people thought he was just resting. After several minutes, they called 911 but never used those paddles on him.

He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. Doctors fixed his heart, but he never regained consciousness. He was eventually transferred to a long-term facility, but his wife felt he was being neglected and became furious when they dropped him when transferring him to a chair. After a few weeks, she brought him home.

In the beginning we had a parade of people from their church coming by to help my neighbor care for her husband. That soon faded. My neighbor now cares for her husband and two daughters, with the help of her mother who lives down the street. His condition is no different than that woman in Florida - Terri Shiavo.

I support my neighbor because she loves him and swears she sees him in there. He was a good man who loved her dearly. My last conversation with him was after my son's high school graduation. I gave Christopher a nice photo I had of his wife and girls - he held it close and said "My angels."

After all this time, I doubt Christopher will ever improve but I know my neighbor will never give up on him.

I would like to ask for prayers for his wife Christine (yep, they are both named Chris). She needs all the strength she can muster, along with peace of mind to keep her balanced enough to be a good mother too. I've known Christine since she was a toddler. She's ten years younger than me, and I used to babysit her when she was a kid. It hurts to see all the stress and strain on her face, and she never gets a moments rest.

Thank you.

[bebop]

that is so sad. will keep them in my prayers

[Danialla]

How very sad. I will say a prayer for your friend and her family, that God will continue to give them the strength they need to attend to the care of their husband/father, but also the strength and courage to find a happy life beyond that care.

How lucky they are to have a neighbor like you.

((kathyM))
praying for ((((Christine and Christopher ))

[nowheretorun]

they will be in my thoughts and prayers KathyM, as you always are

[50guy]

That is the biggest downside to care giving. You never get a break, holiday, or day off. If you ever do you are beset with guilt and anxious instead of relaxing. My wife and I had an idea called Respite Angels. We would care for those that needed care giving in their home while the primary care giver(s) went on a weekend retreat. It is still an idea that I have for a business but, it never came to fruition because of the logistics of it all. My wife is a CNA and we are both 1st responders, maybe I should look at this again.

[KathyM]

Thank you ((Bebop, Daniella, Muffy, NWTR and 50guy))

50guy, I really like your idea. Her only break is going out to the pharmacy or picking her daughter up from school, but even then she's in a hurry to get home. She doesn't like to lean too much on her mother because her mother also cares for her ailing grandmother. Poor mom has to work, care for an ailing mother in her home AND her ailing son-in-law in her daughter's home.

I think a service as you suggested would be a God send to caregivers like my friend. She's still young and has so much life in her. She could use a few days out on a beach somewhere with her girlfriends, umbrella drink in hand.

[recluse1]

(((((Christine, Christopher, & family))))))) Praying God send the strength, endurance, and peace needed here.

((((50Guy)))) I too think this is a fabulous idea! There is definitely a demand for such a service!