Stealing Lives Written by Virginia Ramage Smith Continued from page 1 Handyman Help I have lost my handyman. Fred was not always best handyman I have known, but he was there. Now I must hire someone to do seemingly simple chores, like check smoke alarms, turn over king-size mattress, move a heavy piece of furniture, or repair a broken chair leg. My neighbor sets sprinkler for me, and a yard man mows lawn. Now when I have to change a lock on a door, I call for help. At this point, Fred is more likely to cause a problem inadvertently than to cure one, so I must be constantly vigilant. I miss having Fred’s help. Companionship I miss companionship shared at close of a busy day, when we slowed down and talked about each other and what comes next. We took this time to go quietly about preparing for next day, knowing that each of us would be there to help other. Now, I am painfully aware that Fred does not even recall those times. We can no longer enjoy remembering together things that have made up our long lives. I miss my companion. I express my loss not as a complaint but only to describe extent to which Alzheimer’s disease affects those who care for afflicted one. My life is altered irrevocably because I’ve lost everyday ease once present when things were more normal. I have lost freedom to do my own thing, to abandon Fred for awhile and be carefree. I am sometimes resentful and angry, sometime guilty and inadequate. Alzheimer’s disease has stolen my husband. It has stolen my life as well. Virginia Ramage Smith is the 82-year-old caregiver for her husband, a victim of Alzheimer's disease. She is also the chairman of the best is yet.net, Inc. Read more from her biweekly column at http://www.thebestisyet.net Weight Loss Advice Written by Amber Snyder Continued from page 1 a "furnace" that uses its own stored fat as energy, and thereby reduces pounds and inches effortlessly. So make sure to measure yourself all over to watch your progress as you "melt" away. Subscribe mailto:totalhealthathome-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com Amber Snyder is the author of Total Health at Home, helping achieve their health goals and manage their weight. free Consultations and advice. Visit http://www.totalhealth.homestead.com or mailto:totalhealth@owningabusiness.net     <Back to Page 1   ImproveHomeLife.com © 2005 Terms of Use