AMEN! I lost my tears in 2019...so very sad..BUT they are returning slowly (2 rolled down my cheek). I LOVE my tears...Thank you God. Thanks for this channel. You guys rock!!!❣️
Lonely is a major disease. I approach from a different angle, I’m a Widow. My most difficult thing to deal with is having no one at the other end. Think this way. You can move a table BUT it’s so much easier if some one is on the other end carrying half 5he load.
Girl I feel you. The last time we went to shop it was a nightmare. Thank goodness I took my son. We had to go to lowes to pick up stuff for a bathroom remake. My husband kept taking things off the selves and going to to places he was not allowed. Then in the checkout line he kept wanting to walk away . I tried to redirect him and talk to him. He ended up punching me in the stomach. He is not like the is normally. My so. Took him for a walk while I finished checking out Thru my tears. We took him to Waffle House , one of our favorites. He wouldn’t eat and kept trying to go behind the counter. We left and he hasn’t been anywhere. Of course now he has declined and can’t walk. Or talk . We are now on hospice. This has happened over less than a years time. Very hard and lonely like you said. We do life in the country and I have a small farm. Keeps my body and mind busy. Prayers for you. You will need it! God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit fortify me daily.
I'm so very sorry that you and your family are going through this very hard, hard time. My mother had dementia, my MIL, my BIL, and three of my aunts and uncles. You are so right when you say that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit fortify us each day. Many, many times They carried me when I absolutely thought I couldn't go on. God Bless You and Yours on this journey. Diane in NC
One friend took his wife to Hawaii. He asked her wear an air tag on her person as she gets lost so easily (no dementia). It was very helpful. Congrats on your secret trip & subscribers
When a friend of mine, who had been in the Navy, was first diagnosed with dementia he got his name along with a notice that he had dementia, plus his wife’s name and cell phone number tattooed on his forearm. We all kidded about it at the time but during the later stages of his disease that information came in handy because he was quite the escape artist and wandered away from home and got lost several times. We humans are pretty inventive when the need arises. I’m so glad the two of you were able to take this trip. I hope your plans to do it again soon come to fruition! You are an inspiration.
I am a caregiver for my husband who has a brain injury. I enjoy watching the two of you. Yes, it is lonely. I only have my son and his family near me. My friends are in another state. They are truly supportive on the phone.
You are amazing - new here - my Dad diagnosed with Lewy Body 20yrs ago before we knew what it was...in Scotland its still quite unknown. Your doing SUCH a great job educating & informing plus caring for your husband. Amazing he could travel...strong visual hallucination stopped my dad going out/ anywhere strange! Loneliness was part of my caring job - never apologise for your tears...much love x
Congratulations on reaching 100,000 It is well deserved The pictures are amazing as well as the food 😋 Happy you got to do this ❤Jason is a fun guy if I didn’t know I couldn’t tell he has it I was a caretaker for my husband who passed away from Alzheimer’s Ya it got scary and it got worse I couldn’t help him and I felt so hopeless 😢He’s been gone for 2 years now Married for 35 yrs and he was my everything 😢 I pray for all of you 🙏 I watched your video with everyone spoke about him It was so touching I shed tears myself 😢I wish the best to you and your family Leslie Your doing a great job 👏
How cruel is this dementia! I really believe Jason is so savvy he can recognise when things are getting tough for u! He and you are so special with great personalities ♥️♥️♥️
Wonderful adventure and thanks for sharing! Jason really enjoyed communicating too. When he starts off with things that inspire, encourage or bless him, his brain sends serotonin to support his expression. When asked what bothers him the brain sends cortisol which can work against his good efforts and yours. Once the stage is set Jason really participates with a new gusto! You are a blessed couple and what a gift to humanity!!!
As you and I have said many, many times, unless you have dealt with this situation, you have no clue what all is involved. EVERY aspect of your life is now different. I was caregiver for my mother for 10 yrs. She lived to 96 yrs old, had dementia and was as stubborn as they get. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. The anxiety, emotions, thought process, or lack of it. Personality changes. The anger and frustration that is directed at the caregiver, because they are the ones closest to them. And because the roles reverse as I became the “mother” and she was the “child”, who had absolutely no boundaries or reasoning, common sense or consequences. Leslie, do not apologize for your frustrations, anger, or guilt feelings. You know you are doing the best you can caring for him and making sure he is kept safe. I know you are exhausted and overwhelmed. And most of the time you push all of that aside and keep doing what he needs. At some point you will find out, it is ok to tell little white lies to him. To keep him calm. Or to defuse a situation out of the many, many stressors during every day. No sense upsetting them due to their inability to reason, or believe something that is totally inconceivable. YOU are the one in charge. YOU make the rules. Since you are the one there, 24/7/365, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO CRITICIZE YOU FOR ANY OF YOUR DECISIONS. You are doing terrific. You are kind and compassionate. Prayers for you and Jason!
It was a lovely thing you did for Jason. He literally lit up the whole time. He intact with you. Never never apologize for the tears. As a former care giver. It’s hard.
My husband had a big setback this spring when we had to go stay at our daughter’s house while we were getting our house painted inside. He struggled with a lot of incontinence which actually lasted several months. It was very stressful, but after we returned home he has slowly improved. I have noticed in the past 13 years that any changes in his routine causes confusion. It does make you sad when you see every day the loss of your husband. You miss your old life, but to let yourself dwell on the losses makes it worse. I haven’t traveled with him in years. I totally hear you about the loneliness. It is always there. I cope by gardening and playing with my dogs. I have found during the years that my friends don’t get it, so I don’t really confide in them. It is too frustrating and actually makes me feel more alone. All you can do is be brave and carry on.
Love you guys. It's hard to be strong for everyone. This is not an easy thing for any of you. You don't have to be brave for us or hide your tears. It's heartbreaking for all of us to watch because we've grown so close to you all. We love you and appreciate you. You are in our thoughts and prayers always❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏.
Precious Leslie, Please don't ever apologize for your tears. God love you. As the old song says: "Tears are a language God understands," and we understand, too. May God hold you close, and may God Bless both of you. I send you my love, and I continue to pray for both of you on this difficult journey. I am so sorry for all both of you are going through. For today, I am happy for all that you can still do together as your journey unfolds, one day at a time. God bless both of you, and help you each and every day. Always. With love from Diana in East Tennessee.
I cared for my brother for the past 3 years. He had a stroke in 2020 and we had to put him in a nursing home. It was very painful to do that. He was diagnosed with dementia right away. I can't go into details of everything but just saying he had no place to go except the long term care. No family besides me and my children. He has a DNR. the last month of his life he declined rapidly. He passed away peacefully on May 28. The doctor told me he needed to go into ICU for fluids etc. I chose to call hospice in. That was hard but the right thing to do. The doctor said I made the right choice. I know he's living with Jesus now and that comforts us. He was 66 years old. 😊
I'm happy you had a nice time! I've been watching your journey, and wish you two happiness and health!! Jason you are hysterical! I so love your humor! Leslie, you are my hero!!! God Bless you 🙏💖
Congratulations guys, here’s to more adventures, you two are amazing and congratulations again for your 100,000 RUclips subscribers 🎉🎉🎉 sending best wishes and thanks for great content 😘😘😘❤️
I just survived a stroke at 73 praise God. This video had me smiling for the both of u. My heart aches for as the stages of this dreadful disease slip by and the final stage is here. Some would say it’d be a blessing that Jason no longer would suffer but then I think of the heart wrenching pain and emptiness you and the rest of the family will be left feeling for a very long time. I saw the joy in both y’all’s eyes and u both know these trips will soon end but oh the beautiful memories u will have that u gave Jason those days of stepping outside of what he lives with 24/7 atleast for a few hours each day. We get to know one another on YT tho we are strangers but I wanted to say I love u both and I feel pain and sit and cry that so many people have this doggone illness and Im so sorry it tagged Jason as a victim. I pray for y’all always. Sending love and bunches of hugs.
As a care giver you are doing such a great job. I don’t know what you are going through,but my heart goes out to you and anyone who deals with this disease. God bless!❤
I understand . I moved my mother in with us who has dementia. She wants to travel constantly and she talks about it and seems to think I can just put her on a plane and she will magically be able to navigate O'Hare or Phoenix airports 🙏 I am taking her to Utah to visit family this fall , she needs me to be there and I'm willing .
Thank you for this video. My husband was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy recently. It is a rare, progressive, and fatal Parkinsonism. A few weeks ago, he went on hospice care (early stage). My adult daughter and I rented an RV and are taking him on a road trip to the midwest in two weeks to visit family and friends. Like Jason, he naps a lot, so the RV will be perfect. Thank you again for this encouraging video.
Just started watching your videos. I feel like we're going through the same thing. My husband was diagnosed at the age of 59. I can't do a trip with my husband alone anymore. The last few trips were with other couples. Today I scheduled a cruise that we'll go on with our children and grandchildren. We were avid travelers. It is very hard! You're an inspiration!
This video brought back so many memories on my journey with my husband who had early onset dementia and posterior cordial atrophy which is rare and brought its own set of issues. I found my eyes tearing up a lot watching this. I’m so glad you were able to take a trip and hope you can take more. 😊❤️love to you both! I think you are terrific!
So happy you got to do this. I know it was hard to, but you got to go and have fun together, hopefully more good memories then bad. Looked like you had a great time, despite the one day of boredom. Congratulations on your subscriber plaque! ❤
This is so great that you were able to travel on an awesome cruise. Jason is so cute, smiling and has a great sense of humor. Leslie, my heart goes out to you and you are doing a great job. I know that videos show a happy picture and that it is not like that all the time. 💕
Thank you so much for all of your videos! My husband also has dementia and your videos help me feel less lonely and more understood. Seeing your journey makes me feel less crazy! Knowing what I’m experiencing is real and part of the dementia by what you are showing and telling us is a game changer for me. I don’t have your support system but watching your videos helps me feel less alone.. thank you.
Really enjoyed this video! Thanks for the pictures and videos of your trip, looked amazing!! Thank you for all that you do. Jason is very blessed to have you ❤
Don’t apologize for tears. My husband has stage four prostate cancer that has metastasized. I know the feeling of feeling lonely. God is good and I hang on to that. ✝️🙏
Sounds like an awesome trip. I have a friend who travels on Viking all the time. She's in her 80s and she usually travels alone and meets friends or family for the cruise or in a foreign city before or after the trip. She doesn't use a cane to walk normally but when she's traveling alone she carries one and she says that she gets way more help with directions, baggage etc. when she has her cane with her. I think she feels safer having a stick in her hand if anyone bothers her, lol.
As a veteran nurse who had the fortune to work with people who had cardiac events or end stage pulmonary disease, for 3 mo on the 3 times a week. During the process a lot of sharing informally took place in the gym. We additionally lead support groups every week. We as humans despite how we seem to be loath to speak our authentic truths for fear of harsh judgement, we NEED social support to help us feel happy and like we fit in. There’s no shame in keeping confidence but when we share with each other it helps to bear our burden in life. 🤷🏼♀️ That said when you take a person out of their familiar place their failings show. Congratulations 🎈
I am know exactly what you mean that out of your environment it exaggerates the chronic illnesses effects that I fight. I am able to see it myself, not able to find words, or getting confused when away from home; trying to have conversations with people. When visiting relatives or talking to friends, it exaggerates the illnesses effect to me. It makes it feel like I am worse than I thought. Its saddening to me, then fighting depression. Its not simple, its complicated on both sides for the caregiver and the patient/spouse whomever is taken care of. I said patient because i couldn't think of the word I wanted to say.
I am in the same boat as you. We are in our mid 60's and are going through a lot of the same things. Last week we bought a used motorhome. I will be doing all the driving, which is fine. I am directionally dysfunctional as well and will be relying a lot on my GPS. Hoping we will get to do many many adventures before it is too late. Your videos have been very comforting as I can relate. Thank you!
Totally understand. Glad your making special memories for yourself. Yes, another person helps. I remember getting out to Costco by myself felt like a vacation. And you're right, while at home it's all manageable and "normal ", but all the behaviors come out. Wish I had a support group when I went through this with my Mom. Thanks for being that voice and support for others. ❤
My apologies I can't remember both of your names, this is the 5th video I have watched and every one of them has brought tears to my heart and eyes. God works in amazing ways and laughter is the number one way in my opinion. Both my husband and I are recovering from TBI and I have Dementia as a result, but I also am a caretaker for my husband. You both help others see both sides of this torture and for that I'm forever grateful and blessed to get the chance to learn from both of you. Sending prayers for you both and your friends and family. Thank you for making these videos and congratulations on your plaque. ❤️🙏❤️🎉
Thanks for your tips for traveling. I also find that I notice how confused my husband with dementia gets when we travel on out-of-town trips to visit our daughter, son-in-law, and our two precious grandbabies.. He is zoned out and confused.
Someone once told me that they carried business cards describing their loved one's condition in case they ever needed to discreetly explain their dementia in public, and apparently it really helped them.
First (probably belated) congratulations on the silver plaque🎉.Not sure what stage Jason is at from this video but a another vacation with 1 or 2 friends might still be possible. Family can be great traveling companions, but it might be too hard for them to remain neutral but helpful. Since everything is on the internet, there must be data on vacations with options for people traveling with special needs individual(s). And above all else check that WIFI strength! Love to all of you.❤
Your videos help me so much! I relate to the stress of traveling as a caregiver with my husband who has Alzheimer’s. We got home Sunday from an Alaskan cruise. It was alternately amazing & terrifying to take him so far away. I’m exhausted 😴! Thank you thank you for sharing!
Plez do think about future traveling with another couple. A male to accompany Jason to restrooms especially if family bathrooms are not available. A female to keep you company and navigate with you. I bring a caregiver when I can to help me sometimes block the bathroom or forewarn I’m in the men’s room. I have a necklace that looks like dog tags explaining he has dementia and to please be patient. Works great when people read the necklace and understand. Keep the Faith and love to see you keeping it real.
I know how you feel. We loved traveling, even day trips down back roads. My husband is at the stage that we can no longer travel. He gets very confused when we get to unfamiliar areas or roads we don’t go down on a weekly basis. His Deep Confusion leads to anger. Prayers for all.
I’m 55 and have dementia diagnosed 8 months ago due to excelerated cerebral atrophy And. hubby and I want to travel while we can. My husband scuba dives so we’re booking at an all inclusive resort and are working with the travel agent to find a resort that with property that is easy to navigate so that I can have my independence while he dives different reefs and he doesn’t have to worry about me not finding my way to the restaurants or swimming pool. I want my husband to tick off some of his diving bucket list destinations while he still can too. to guess the flights and airports will trigger and anxiety and tiredness. Did you both notice any other travel impacts you hadn’t expected would have impacts to tiredness or mood? I’m going to take a daily siesta and bring noise cancelling earbuds for loud music by the pool. Nice to hear about your trip. Thanks for sharing. ❤
How wonderful! Maybe next time one of your daughters or your sister could come with for your benefit! Looks like you had an sentimental!! You are such a great wife/ caregiver ❤😊
Glad I stumbled across this! My husband is a veteran as well and has had several TBI’s. I’ve been told that dementia could happen due to them. Your so young but so up beat! It’s nice watching
Jason it is amazing how much you look like Sarge, Vince Carter from the Gomer Pyle sitcom in the 60's. I rarely read the comments so maybe this does not come as a complete surprise to you but have really never recognized as strongly as I do in this episode. So glad you both got to see the beauty through out the world. Lynn, Dodge City, KS
I am new to the channel and binging on the episodes. My husband Geoffrey has Vascular Dementia (6 years) and we loved to travel but so difficult now. Geoff deeply mourns not travelling and driving. You are both gorgeous, but I know how difficult it is. We are off to Bali for 7 days this week with family and living life the best we can. Love to you both! Denise from Adelaide, South Australia, Australia ❤
I thought my dog was fussing at me at the end of the video and kept trying to figure out what she needed. Then I realized it was your dog. LOL Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Congratulations on your Play Button!
That was very aggressive s trip abroad but your prayers were answered. Our Heavenly Father loves to answer prayers. Beautiful vacation with wonderful memories
Your a wonderful person and a strong woman. Going through this with my dad. Headed to Cancun tomorrow and I’m nervous. Your giving me confidence and strength. God bless you and Jason ❤❤❤
Great uplifting video. Good vacation pix! My husband has behavioral frontal temporal lobe dementia. He will never realize he has it, so that makes it hard. He thinks he’s fine but sits on his iPad all day. He never was one to sit around. Such a hard thing to watch the husbands we love go downhill so young! Fighting feeling depressed. Very lonely, and way to much work for one person on our ranch. Trying to have joy like you. I know the joy of the Lord is our strength. Your a good role model. Thanks. Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers! A lot of people must be dealing with this, or similar. 💖God bless you and Jason and all here.
I am so grateful for your videos. You two are doing such a service to help people even during this stressful time in your lives. You are totally beautiful God loving people and Jesus will continue to guide your way. My husband no longer has mild dementia and is progressing so you give me so many helpful hints and ideas as we travel this journey. God bless you 🙏❤
Leslie "boo hooing" is absolutely acceptable x im glad you had a trip amd God kept showing up for you x Yes, jason may have dementia but it doesnt define his personality and interests and fun personality x
I so appreciate these videos. We are in about the same place that you guys are with this disease. Your videos are helping more than you know. When Jason talks it helps me see things from my husband’s point of view. That’s invaluable. You are so right about the loneliness. Thank you for helping with that too. Sending you guys love and prayers. Please, please keep the video’s coming!!
We 'found' a lady whilst shopping ....we chatted to her and she took a shine to my hubby 😆 kept saying "your naughty and tapping him on the bum 😂. She was able to tell us her name and we reunited her with her husband. He was so grateful and we stayed and had coffee and prayers together x
Long time subscriber here, first time commenter. I absolutely adore you two. I’ve cried several times watching your videos. You are the sweetest couple and I feel like you’re family. I am from Minnesota (kinda close) hehe. And often thought I would really love to have more people like you in my life , even just as neighbors! Wishing you guys all the best! Loved hearing about your travels. It looked AMAZING. ❤❤❤❤
I am so glad you were courageous and took this trip! You will not regret it in years to come! May God bless you both and give you strength for the path you are traveling. My prayers are always with you!! 🙏❤️🙏
It looks like such a fun trip! The way Jason's face lit up in the airplane when he turned around and looked at you was so beautiful. He is really funny. It is understandable that this was a fun yet sad time. I am sending lots of prayers and good thoughts to the two of you. ❤
It was a cruise trip that prompted my partners dementia diagnosis…he was totally disoriented and agitated..got him to see our GP when we got home and vas.dementia was diagnosed after an mri scan…not an easy path for sure…will look into Viking.👍👍
I've been watching your vlogs for a long time now off and on and they are so educational and helpful. I was a PCA and everything you have said makes so much since. It is what I had experienced, and yes, even as a professional, it felt so lovely. He is doing so much better than my patience. I am retired now, and I miss my patience, but it is a nice break now. You are doing great, and you are so strong. You are doing a great Job!
My middle son was killed June 2, 2019 by a drunk driver. Within months my husband was sick, but we didn’t know until February of 2020 that he had cancer. We went through treatments until his passing October 14, 2022. Leading up to his passing I became lonelier as the months went by and he slept a lot, had no energy and his personality changed and I realized he was Slipping away from me. I took care of my father-in-law for 8 years with Alzheimer’s. It was a sad, long food bye but it was so much more painful with my husband. I pray for you in your journey. I understand how hard it is. We had always loved driving trips, but he slept a lot the last trips we took. It was sad and lonely as the relationship changed and I became the only driver. I sure miss him!
BTW, laughter helped me get through those years of taking care of my father-in-law. I still think of things from that time period an laugh. That doesn’t negate how hard it was.
We love Viking , did the cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Favourite holiday Ever! Glad you both did it. I totally get the intimidation of being he navigator, my husband is ours. Pat yourself n the back Leslie because you gave both of you a memory of a lifetime.
What an epic trip! My LO and I still travel but just local overnight trips!! Your hubby is so aware and articulate- putting sentences together and having meaningful conversations ended for us a year or so ago. I need that bracelet-I’ll check out your link
Love his smile. You can see how much he truly loves traveling. People can always smile but when there eyes smile is genuine. So glad you were able to take him and hopefully you can have a couple go with you on your next vacations that way 2 of you can go out while one stays with Jason. You are an angel.
Oh my goodness! I’m so so glad you guys took the trip and it was fabulous. Difficult and different at times - from previous trips, but wonderful too. Tours are great, my husband never though he liked tours, but you learn so much more. So so glad y’all went. Yes, another friend couple next time would be nice too. Congrats on the RUclips Play Button - well deserve! Love you both!
I am impressed. You have visited so many realy amazing places over here in Europe. I am living in Germany and was to Prag and Budapest this year, too. But not for the first time. I LOVE both cities. I am so happy that you were able to enjoy your trip! Keep going! Best wishes to both of you ❤❤❤
Never apologize for tears.
God makes and saves our tears
AMEN! I lost my tears in 2019...so very sad..BUT they are returning slowly (2 rolled down my cheek). I LOVE my tears...Thank you God. Thanks for this channel. You guys rock!!!❣️
You’re an amazing wife and caretaker ❤️🙏🏻
Your videos are so educational regarding dementia but so heartbreaking at the same time, God Bless your family.
So true ❤
Lonely is a major disease. I approach from a different angle, I’m a Widow. My most difficult thing to deal with is having no one at the other end. Think this way. You can move a table BUT it’s so much easier if some one is on the other end carrying half 5he load.
When Jason said "You can't even tell," I died😂 He is so funny! I am keeping you and Jason in my prayers, Leslie. God bless you both 🙏
No. You didn't 'die'.
Bless your heart ❤It’s ok to cry ❤Prayers for you, Jason, and your family 🙏🏻
Girl I feel you. The last time we went to shop it was a nightmare. Thank goodness I took my son. We had to go to lowes to pick up stuff for a bathroom remake. My husband kept taking things off the selves and going to to places he was not allowed. Then in the checkout line he kept wanting to walk away . I tried to redirect him and talk to him. He ended up punching me in the stomach. He is not like the is normally. My so. Took him for a walk while I finished checking out Thru my tears. We took him to Waffle House , one of our favorites. He wouldn’t eat and kept trying to go behind the counter. We left and he hasn’t been anywhere. Of course now he has declined and can’t walk. Or talk . We are now on hospice. This has happened over less than a years time. Very hard and lonely like you said. We do life in the country and I have a small farm. Keeps my body and mind busy. Prayers for you. You will need it! God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit fortify me daily.
I'm so very sorry that you and your family are going through this very hard, hard time. My mother had dementia, my MIL, my BIL, and three of my aunts and uncles. You are so right when you say that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit fortify us each day. Many, many times They carried me when I absolutely thought I couldn't go on. God Bless You and Yours on this journey. Diane in NC
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One friend took his wife to Hawaii. He asked her wear an air tag on her person as she gets lost so easily (no dementia). It was very helpful. Congrats on your secret trip & subscribers
When a friend of mine, who had been in the Navy, was first diagnosed with dementia he got his name along with a notice that he had dementia, plus his wife’s name and cell phone number tattooed on his forearm. We all kidded about it at the time but during the later stages of his disease that information came in handy because he was quite the escape artist and wandered away from home and got lost several times. We humans are pretty inventive when the need arises. I’m so glad the two of you were able to take this trip. I hope your plans to do it again soon come to fruition! You are an inspiration.
That is a wonderful idea!! Wish we had thought of it.
I am a caregiver for my husband who has a brain injury. I enjoy watching the two of you. Yes, it is lonely. I only have my son and his family near me. My friends are in another state. They are truly supportive on the phone.
I am so happy you had this special time together.
Thank you for pronouncing my home’s name correctly! I wish you strength and all the love during this chapter of life. Virtual hugs from Budapest!❤
You are such a good wife. For better or for worse, you are living out your vows. I will pray for you dear lady. 🙌🏻🙏🏻
You are amazing - new here - my Dad diagnosed with Lewy Body 20yrs ago before we knew what it was...in Scotland its still quite unknown. Your doing SUCH a great job educating & informing plus caring for your husband. Amazing he could travel...strong visual hallucination stopped my dad going out/ anywhere strange! Loneliness was part of my caring job - never apologise for your tears...much love x
My Dad is suffering from hallucinations now and it is so challenging for my Mom.
Congratulations on reaching 100,000 It is well deserved The pictures are amazing as well as the food 😋 Happy you got to do this ❤Jason is a fun guy if I didn’t know I couldn’t tell he has it I was a caretaker for my husband who passed away from Alzheimer’s Ya it got scary and it got worse I couldn’t help him and I felt so hopeless 😢He’s been gone for 2 years now Married for 35 yrs and he was my everything 😢 I pray for all of you 🙏 I watched your video with everyone spoke about him It was so touching I shed tears myself 😢I wish the best to you and your family Leslie Your doing a great job 👏
I lost my husband to dementia in 2020.We were married for 44 years.
How cruel is this dementia! I really believe Jason is so savvy he can recognise when things are getting tough for u! He and you are so special with great personalities ♥️♥️♥️
Wonderful adventure and thanks for sharing! Jason really enjoyed communicating too. When he starts off with things that inspire, encourage or bless him, his brain sends serotonin to support his expression. When asked what bothers him the brain sends cortisol which can work against his good efforts and yours. Once the stage is set Jason really participates with a new gusto! You are a blessed couple and what a gift to humanity!!!
As you and I have said many, many times, unless you have dealt with this situation, you have no clue what all is involved. EVERY aspect of your life is now different. I was caregiver for my mother for 10 yrs. She lived to 96 yrs old, had dementia and was as stubborn as they get. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. The anxiety, emotions, thought process, or lack of it. Personality changes. The anger and frustration that is directed at the caregiver, because they are the ones closest to them. And because the roles reverse as I became the “mother” and she was the “child”, who had absolutely no boundaries or reasoning, common sense or consequences.
Leslie, do not apologize for your frustrations, anger, or guilt feelings. You know you are doing the best you can caring for him and making sure he is kept safe. I know you are exhausted and overwhelmed. And most of the time you push all of that aside and keep doing what he needs. At some point you will find out, it is ok to tell little white lies to him. To keep him calm. Or to defuse a situation out of the many, many stressors during every day. No sense upsetting them due to their inability to reason, or believe something that is totally inconceivable. YOU are the one in charge. YOU make the rules. Since you are the one there, 24/7/365, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO CRITICIZE YOU FOR ANY OF YOUR DECISIONS.
You are doing terrific. You are kind and compassionate. Prayers for you and Jason!
We love you and Jason to the moon and back. Thank you for taking us along.
Bless your heart for trying to do this trip. You rose to the occasion, you are strong and strong in ways you didn’t know you could be.
You’re a angel walking this earth 💕 Jason is lucky to have you. Never apologize for being vulnerable and tears. You’re doing a awesome job.
It was a lovely thing you did for Jason. He literally lit up the whole time. He intact with you. Never never apologize for the tears. As a former care giver. It’s hard.
My husband had a big setback this spring when we had to go stay at our daughter’s house while we were getting our house painted inside. He struggled with a lot of incontinence which actually lasted several months. It was very stressful, but after we returned home he has slowly improved. I have noticed in the past 13 years that any changes in his routine causes confusion. It does make you sad when you see every day the loss of your husband. You miss your old life, but to let yourself dwell on the losses makes it worse. I haven’t traveled with him in years. I totally hear you about the loneliness. It is always there. I cope by gardening and playing with my dogs. I have found during the years that my friends don’t get it, so I don’t really confide in them. It is too frustrating and actually makes me feel more alone. All you can do is be brave and carry on.
Love you guys. It's hard to be strong for everyone. This is not an easy thing for any of you. You don't have to be brave for us or hide your tears. It's heartbreaking for all of us to watch because we've grown so close to you all. We love you and appreciate you. You are in our thoughts and prayers always❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏.
Very well said ❤
So happy that you got to take this trip even if it had its drawbacks. ❤
Precious Leslie, Please don't ever apologize for your tears. God love you. As the old song says: "Tears are a language God understands," and we understand, too.
May God hold you close, and may God Bless both of you. I send you my love, and I continue to pray for both of you on this difficult journey. I am so sorry for all both of you are going through.
For today, I am happy for all that you can still do together as your journey unfolds, one day at a time. God bless both of you, and help you each and every day.
Always. With love from Diana in East Tennessee.
I cared for my brother for the past 3 years. He had a stroke in 2020 and we had to put him in a nursing home. It was very painful to do that. He was diagnosed with dementia right away. I can't go into details of everything but just saying he had no place to go except the long term care. No family besides me and my children. He has a DNR. the last month of his life he declined rapidly. He passed away peacefully on May 28. The doctor told me he needed to go into ICU for fluids etc. I chose to call hospice in. That was hard but the right thing to do. The doctor said I made the right choice. I know he's living with Jesus now and that comforts us. He was 66 years old. 😊
Wow! In spite of challenges, this is AWESOME!! I'm so thankful you were able to go and enjoy yourselves as much as possible! Praise Be to God! 🙌
I'm happy you had a nice time! I've been watching your journey, and wish you two happiness and health!! Jason you are hysterical! I so love your humor! Leslie, you are my hero!!! God Bless you 🙏💖
Jason is so precious! Thank him for his service. Leslie, you are phenomenal. ❤
It’s hard. I know. I was the sole caregiver for my mom who suffered from Dementia for 7 years. You are doing a absolutely fantastic job!👍
Thoughts and prayers for you both.
Tears cleanes the soul
HE does hear our prayers. This week I found a hands on museum and experienced what I called Culture Day. Lots of smiles, laughs and pictures.
Congratulations guys, here’s to more adventures, you two are amazing and congratulations again for your 100,000 RUclips subscribers 🎉🎉🎉 sending best wishes and thanks for great content 😘😘😘❤️
I just survived a stroke at 73 praise God. This video had me smiling for the both of u. My heart aches for as the stages of this dreadful disease slip by and the final stage is here. Some would say it’d be a blessing that Jason no longer would suffer but then I think of the heart wrenching pain and emptiness you and the rest of the family will be left feeling for a very long time. I saw the joy in both y’all’s eyes and u both know these trips will soon end but oh the beautiful memories u will have that u gave Jason those days of stepping outside of what he lives with 24/7 atleast for a few hours each day. We get to know one another on YT tho we are strangers but I wanted to say I love u both and I feel pain and sit and cry that so many people have this doggone illness and Im so sorry it tagged Jason as a victim. I pray for y’all always. Sending love and bunches of hugs.
As a care giver you are doing such a great job. I don’t know what you are going through,but my heart goes out to you and anyone who deals with this disease. God bless!❤
I understand . I moved my mother in with us who has dementia. She wants to travel constantly and she talks about it and seems to think I can just put her on a plane and she will magically be able to navigate O'Hare or Phoenix airports 🙏 I am taking her to Utah to visit family this fall , she needs me to be there and I'm willing .
Thank you for this video. My husband was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy recently. It is a rare, progressive, and fatal Parkinsonism. A few weeks ago, he went on hospice care (early stage). My adult daughter and I rented an RV and are taking him on a road trip to the midwest in two weeks to visit family and friends. Like Jason, he naps a lot, so the RV will be perfect. Thank you again for this encouraging video.
Just started watching your videos. I feel like we're going through the same thing. My husband was diagnosed at the age of 59. I can't do a trip with my husband alone anymore. The last few trips were with other couples. Today I scheduled a cruise that we'll go on with our children and grandchildren. We were avid travelers. It is very hard! You're an inspiration!
This video brought back so many memories on my journey with my husband who had early onset dementia and posterior cordial atrophy which is rare and brought its own set of issues. I found my eyes tearing up a lot watching this. I’m so glad you were able to take a trip and hope you can take more. 😊❤️love to you both! I think you are terrific!
So happy you got to do this. I know it was hard to, but you got to go and have fun together, hopefully more good memories then bad. Looked like you had a great time, despite the one day of boredom. Congratulations on your subscriber plaque! ❤
This is so great that you were able to travel on an awesome cruise. Jason is so cute, smiling and has a great sense of humor. Leslie, my heart goes out to you and you are doing a great job. I know that videos show a happy picture and that it is not like that all the time. 💕
Thank you so much for all of your videos! My husband also has dementia and your videos help me feel less lonely and more understood. Seeing your journey makes me feel less crazy! Knowing what I’m experiencing is real and part of the dementia by what you are showing and telling us is a game changer for me. I don’t have your support system but watching your videos helps me feel less alone.. thank you.
Jason is such a vibrant soul in his better moments even with his condition, so can only imagine what a complete livewire he was before. Much love.
Really enjoyed this video! Thanks for the pictures and videos of your trip, looked amazing!! Thank you for all that you do. Jason is very blessed to have you ❤
Don’t apologize for tears. My husband has stage four prostate cancer that has metastasized. I know the feeling of feeling lonely. God is good and I hang on to that. ✝️🙏
Sounds like an awesome trip. I have a friend who travels on Viking all the time. She's in her 80s and she usually travels alone and meets friends or family for the cruise or in a foreign city before or after the trip. She doesn't use a cane to walk normally but when she's traveling alone she carries one and she says that she gets way more help with directions, baggage etc. when she has her cane with her. I think she feels safer having a stick in her hand if anyone bothers her, lol.
As a veteran nurse who had the fortune to work with people who had cardiac events or end stage pulmonary disease, for 3 mo on the 3 times a week. During the process a lot of sharing informally took place in the gym. We additionally lead support groups every week. We as humans despite how we seem to be loath to speak our authentic truths for fear of harsh judgement, we NEED social support to help us feel happy and like we fit in. There’s no shame in keeping confidence but when we share with each other it helps to bear our burden in life. 🤷🏼♀️
That said when you take a person out of their familiar place their failings show. Congratulations 🎈
I am know exactly what you mean that out of your environment it exaggerates the chronic illnesses effects that I fight. I am able to see it myself, not able to find words, or getting confused when away from home; trying to have conversations with people. When visiting relatives or talking to friends, it exaggerates the illnesses effect to me. It makes it feel like I am worse than I thought. Its saddening to me, then fighting depression. Its not simple, its complicated on both sides for the caregiver and the patient/spouse whomever is taken care of. I said patient because i couldn't think of the word I wanted to say.
I am in the same boat as you. We are in our mid 60's and are going through a lot of the same things. Last week we bought a used motorhome. I will be doing all the driving, which is fine. I am directionally dysfunctional as well and will be relying a lot on my GPS. Hoping we will get to do many many adventures before it is too late. Your videos have been very comforting as I can relate. Thank you!
Totally understand. Glad your making special memories for yourself. Yes, another person helps. I remember getting out to Costco by myself felt like a vacation. And you're right, while at home it's all manageable and "normal ", but all the behaviors come out. Wish I had a support group when I went through this with my Mom. Thanks for being that voice and support for others. ❤
My apologies I can't remember both of your names, this is the 5th video I have watched and every one of them has brought tears to my heart and eyes. God works in amazing ways and laughter is the number one way in my opinion. Both my husband and I are recovering from TBI and I have Dementia as a result, but I also am a caretaker for my husband. You both help others see both sides of this torture and for that I'm forever grateful and blessed to get the chance to learn from both of you.
Sending prayers for you both and your friends and family.
Thank you for making these videos and congratulations on your plaque. ❤️🙏❤️🎉
Thanks for your tips for traveling. I also find that I notice how confused my husband with dementia gets when we travel on out-of-town trips to visit our daughter, son-in-law, and our two precious grandbabies.. He is zoned out and confused.
What an amazing journey you are travelling, highest peaks and low valleys and all in between❤
Someone once told me that they carried business cards describing their loved one's condition in case they ever needed to discreetly explain their dementia in public, and apparently it really helped them.
It's ok to cry, it truly is the "long goodbye"., so difficult to watch our loved ones persona disappear. God bless you both 💞
First (probably belated) congratulations on the silver plaque🎉.Not sure what stage Jason is at from this video but a another vacation with 1 or 2 friends might still be possible. Family can be great traveling companions, but it might be too hard for them to remain neutral but helpful. Since everything is on the internet, there must be data on vacations with options for people traveling with special needs individual(s). And above all else check that WIFI strength! Love to all of you.❤
Yes, what about hiring a private dementia caregiver to accompany you.
Your videos help me so much! I relate to the stress of traveling as a caregiver with my husband who has Alzheimer’s. We got home Sunday from an Alaskan cruise. It was alternately amazing & terrifying to take him so far away. I’m exhausted 😴! Thank you thank you for sharing!
Plez do think about future traveling with another couple. A male to accompany Jason to restrooms especially if family bathrooms are not available. A female to keep you company and navigate with you. I bring a caregiver when I can to help me sometimes block the bathroom or forewarn I’m in the men’s room. I have a necklace that looks like dog tags explaining he has dementia and to please be patient. Works great when people read the necklace and understand. Keep the Faith and love to see you keeping it real.
I know how you feel. We loved traveling, even day trips down back roads. My husband is at the stage that we can no longer travel. He gets very confused when we get to unfamiliar areas or roads we don’t go down on a weekly basis. His Deep Confusion leads to anger. Prayers for all.
I’m 55 and have dementia diagnosed 8 months ago due to excelerated cerebral atrophy And. hubby and I want to travel while we can. My husband scuba dives so we’re booking at an all inclusive resort and are working with the travel agent to find a resort that with property that is easy to navigate so that I can have my independence while he dives different reefs and he doesn’t have to worry about me not finding my way to the restaurants or swimming pool. I want my husband to tick off some of his diving bucket list destinations while he still can too. to guess the flights and airports will trigger and anxiety and tiredness. Did you both notice any other travel impacts you hadn’t expected would have impacts to tiredness or mood? I’m going to take a daily siesta and bring noise cancelling earbuds for loud music by the pool. Nice to hear about your trip. Thanks for sharing. ❤
How wonderful! Maybe next time one of your daughters or your sister could come with for your benefit! Looks like you had an sentimental!! You are such a great wife/ caregiver ❤😊
Thanks for sharing your trip. The scenery was beautiful. So glad you guys enjoyed your trip.
This seems like a great cruise , it’s amazing how Jason can remember places and foods . That’s good . Every day Jason remembers is a good day.
your sweetness and honesty is so appreciated ❤ God is Faithful 🌹
You are brave and so strong 🥇 🙏 ✝️JESUS IS THE ANSWER♥️🎚🙏 and He will guide and protect you. Always 🎚Put God 1️⃣st ✝️.
You two are dear ❤❤
Congratulations on Play Award🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Glad I stumbled across this! My husband is a veteran as well and has had several TBI’s. I’ve been told that dementia could happen due to them. Your so young but so up beat! It’s nice watching
Thank you for your service...🇺🇲
You deserve to let those tears flow! How much you love your hubby!
Jason it is amazing how much you look like Sarge, Vince Carter from the Gomer Pyle sitcom in the 60's. I rarely read the comments so maybe this does not come as a complete surprise to you but have really never recognized as strongly as I do in this episode. So glad you both got to see the beauty through out the world. Lynn, Dodge City, KS
I am new to the channel and binging on the episodes. My husband Geoffrey has Vascular Dementia (6 years) and we loved to travel but so difficult now. Geoff deeply mourns not travelling and driving. You are both gorgeous, but I know how difficult it is. We are off to Bali for 7 days this week with family and living life the best we can. Love to you both! Denise from Adelaide, South Australia, Australia ❤
You are doing such an amazing job . God will continue to guide you on your journey 🙏🩷🙌
I thought my dog was fussing at me at the end of the video and kept trying to figure out what she needed. Then I realized it was your dog. LOL Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Congratulations on your Play Button!
That was very aggressive s trip abroad but your prayers were answered. Our Heavenly Father loves to answer prayers. Beautiful vacation with wonderful memories
Your a wonderful person and a strong woman. Going through this with my dad. Headed to Cancun tomorrow and I’m nervous. Your giving me confidence and strength. God bless you and Jason ❤❤❤
Great uplifting video. Good vacation pix! My husband has behavioral frontal temporal lobe dementia. He will never realize he has it, so that makes it hard. He thinks he’s fine but sits on his iPad all day. He never was one to sit around. Such a hard thing to watch the husbands we love go downhill so young! Fighting feeling depressed. Very lonely, and way to much work for one person on our ranch. Trying to have joy like you. I know the joy of the Lord is our strength. Your a good role model. Thanks. Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers! A lot of people must be dealing with this, or similar. 💖God bless you and Jason and all here.
I’m so glad your trip went well! You are so patient and loving to do that with him!❤️❤️❤️
I am so grateful for your videos. You two are doing such a service to help people even during this stressful time in your lives. You are totally beautiful God loving people and Jesus will continue to guide your way. My husband no longer has mild dementia and is progressing so you give me so many helpful hints and ideas as we travel this journey. God bless you 🙏❤
Leslie "boo hooing" is absolutely acceptable x im glad you had a trip amd God kept showing up for you x
Yes, jason may have dementia but it doesnt define his personality and interests and fun personality x
Prayers & hugs to you & Jason. You are both precious.
I so appreciate these videos. We are in about the same place that you guys are with this disease. Your videos are helping more than you know. When Jason talks it helps me see things from my husband’s point of view. That’s invaluable. You are so right about the loneliness. Thank you for helping with that too. Sending you guys love and prayers. Please, please keep the video’s coming!!
Congratulations 🎊 Leslie!!!!☺ 100,000 wow!!!! You deserve it Leslie!☺
We 'found' a lady whilst shopping ....we chatted to her and she took a shine to my hubby 😆 kept saying "your naughty and tapping him on the bum 😂. She was able to tell us her name and we reunited her with her husband. He was so grateful and we stayed and had coffee and prayers together x
Aw 😅so sad and sweet
Long time subscriber here, first time commenter. I absolutely adore you two. I’ve cried several times watching your videos. You are the sweetest couple and I feel like you’re family. I am from Minnesota (kinda close) hehe. And often thought I would really love to have more people like you in my life , even just as neighbors! Wishing you guys all the best! Loved hearing about your travels. It looked AMAZING. ❤❤❤❤
I am so glad you were courageous and took this trip! You will not regret it in years to come! May God bless you both and give you strength for the path you are traveling. My prayers are always with you!! 🙏❤️🙏
It looks like such a fun trip! The way Jason's face lit up in the airplane when he turned around and looked at you was so beautiful. He is really funny. It is understandable that this was a fun yet sad time. I am sending lots of prayers and good thoughts to the two of you. ❤
Congratulations on your 100,000 goal being accomplished
So glad you got to travel. You were both very brave. All those places look gorgeous!
It was a cruise trip that prompted my partners dementia diagnosis…he was totally disoriented and agitated..got him to see our GP when we got home and vas.dementia was diagnosed after an mri scan…not an easy path for sure…will look into Viking.👍👍
I've been watching your vlogs for a long time now off and on and they are so educational and helpful.
I was a PCA and everything you have said makes so much since. It is what I had experienced, and yes, even as a professional, it felt so lovely. He is doing so much better than my patience. I am retired now, and I miss my patience, but it is a nice break now. You are doing great, and you are so strong. You are doing a great Job!
My middle son was killed June 2, 2019 by a drunk driver. Within months my husband was sick, but we didn’t know until February of 2020 that he had cancer. We went through treatments until his passing October 14, 2022. Leading up to his passing I became lonelier as the months went by and he slept a lot, had no energy and his personality changed and I realized he was
Slipping away from me.
I took care of my father-in-law for 8 years with Alzheimer’s. It was a sad, long food bye but it was so much more painful with my husband. I pray for you in your journey. I understand how hard it is. We had always loved driving trips, but he slept a lot the last trips we took. It was sad and lonely as the relationship changed and I became the only driver. I sure miss him!
BTW, laughter helped me get through those years of taking care of my father-in-law. I still think of things from that time period an laugh. That doesn’t negate how hard it was.
We love Viking , did the cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Favourite holiday Ever! Glad you both did it. I totally get the intimidation of being he navigator, my husband is ours. Pat yourself n the back Leslie because you gave both of you a memory of a lifetime.
Love you guys so glad you got to travel! The pictures were beautiful!
What an epic trip! My LO and I still travel but just local overnight trips!! Your hubby is so aware and articulate- putting sentences together and having meaningful conversations ended for us a year or so ago. I need that bracelet-I’ll check out your link
i’m glad you mentioned how Vicking was!
Jason cracks me up . AND lets talk about the beautiful pictures, wow breathe taking, Congrats on your plack
Love his smile. You can see how much he truly loves traveling. People can always smile but when there eyes smile is genuine. So glad you were able to take him and hopefully you can have a couple go with you on your next vacations that way 2 of you can go out while one stays with Jason. You are an angel.
Oh my goodness! I’m so so glad you guys took the trip and it was fabulous. Difficult and different at times - from previous trips, but wonderful too. Tours are great, my husband never though he liked tours, but you learn so much more. So so glad y’all went. Yes, another friend couple next time would be nice too. Congrats on the RUclips Play Button - well deserve! Love you both!
I am impressed. You have visited so many realy amazing places over here in Europe. I am living in Germany and was to Prag and Budapest this year, too. But not for the first time. I LOVE both cities.
I am so happy that you were able to enjoy your trip!
Keep going! Best wishes to both of you ❤❤❤