Today it was David’s turn to care for me. Since the Alzheimer’s diagnosis it’s been gradually my turn to take care of him. It is not as clear cut as it may seem. Because Alzheimer’s is a messy illness with no cure we had to rely on our mutual trust in each other’s core identity to keep on moving forward through the fog. We were thrown into the deep end from the start, our identities challenged by so many people’s divergent perceptions of our reality, but we survived the first few storms. Then after three years in rough waters we found the space to concentrate on collecting memory seeds past and present. I started a blog collecting past stories, David joined in with a written diary , then we moved on short video clips and pictures when David’s focus diminished etc. I have many ideas about what I’d like to do with these seeds but for now I just collect them as little anchors helping both of us stay rooted when the next storm shows up. Armed with our seeds we have thrown ourselves in the unknown combining our intuitions to navigate the maze, always seeking what bring us closer while having a laugh: we’ve meet wonderfully creative and inspiring people along our journey so far. All of these people have reinforced our abilities that still feed of each other’s energy in so many ways. But I am losing the plot ... In any case today has been my turn to be looked after for an afternoon. I found a lump in one of my breast a few months ago so my GP sent me to the breast clinic for further tests. David insisted to come with me and waited patiently for over 4 hours when I had a battery of tests done. Never in my entire life did I had to parade topless in front of so many strangers each having a go at probing my breasts! Anyway after a bunch of squeezing, needle puncture, massaging, screening etc I finally received the all clear! All that time I new my bear was with me as he has always been, even though he had to be reminded where and why we were there from time to time. #davidjackwickertandme #circulartime #breastcancerscreening #selfcare (at St Bartholomew's Hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqdSsJbngw7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nfpjxqw9gjyf
