Bikerwise Profile
Bikerwise

@bikerwise

4,211
Followers
1,363
Following
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33,272
Statuses

Widowed by dementia. Motorcyclist, swimmer, cyclist, horse lover, walker, novel reader, Nanny, local councillor, oh & retired academic. Views my own.

Joined October 2012
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I am sad to say that my husband's dementia journey came to an end yesterday, peacefully with me by his side. He was an amazing man, loving husband, devoted Dad and doting Grandad. It has been an honour to share his life. RIP darling, your struggle is done.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Whenever I leave my husband I give him a kiss and tell him I love him. Today he said "I know you do". I pointed out he had dementia and might forget. "Some things you never forget" he said. Turned and smiled before toddling off with his carer.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Look at the sheer delight on his face as he realises that is his new grandson on the bed next to him. His arm went round to protect him.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
And today we started the next stage in our dementia journey. This is a photo of my husband sitting in his room in his care home. He moved in today. This is not an emergency admission, it has been long planned. It is the home he chose while he was able. 1/n
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Had a lovely evening with husband tonight. He didn't eat much so we mainly sat holding hands and listening to Adele on a portable CD Player I have bought. He said some lovely things. Where do I find the strength to get through the next few weeks?
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Husband saves most of his smiles for the staff now. They have become his security, his day to day life. They share his life, I am a visitor. I think I also remind him of another life, one we used to share and never will again. I won't stop going. He is still my life.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
It is one month today since this lovely man ended his physical presence on earth. He won't ever leave me, he will live on in my memories but we won't be making any new ones.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
@cammyservantofc Tell us a little more about your son when you are ready. In the meantime I send hugs from a fellow griever.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
11 months
A year ago today this wonderful man physically left my life for ever. Thank you Trevor for sharing so many years of your life with me, for making me a better person and for leaving me such a long list of things to do! I miss you. X
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Today's little struggle ... wrapping grandchildren's presents and keeping going to write ... 'and Grandad' and realising I'll never need to add that again. 😥
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support on the death of my husband. I tried to acknowledge everyone. In his lifetime he contributed to a lot of research. He knew he wouldn't live to see a cure but hoped he could help future generations. 1/2
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
50 years ago this month I decided I was marrying him. 48 years ago this month we went on our first proper date. 44 years ago today we got married. Today we went out to celebrate!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Two months ago today this lovely man left this world. My life will never be the same.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
A friend kindly videoed the funeral cortage leaving our town. I am pillion on the hearse, the two bikes behind are mine with our two sons riding , followed by friends from various parts of our life.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
I expected to feel sad at the loss of my husband, to cry a lot, to miss him. I did not expect to lose my self-confidence in just about everything: my driving, ability to organise a holiday, ability to ride a motorbike, ability to leave home, ability to meet people ...
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Watch out for those Park Run times coming down once I can get out training early morning and sleeping at night! We have lots still to do and we will be doing it as long as dementia allows. n/n
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Celebrating our relationship, that it existed and I got to enjoy it for so long.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Six months ago today this lovely man finally left my life. I wouldn't have believed it was possible to miss someone so much.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Grandad was dressed in some very warm winter clothing and put in his wheelchair to share an hour with his 'girls'. He never lifted his head but he listened to them play, had hugs and made facial gestures they just 'knew' were smiles.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Husband woke this morning & asked me why I wasn't at work. Explained I had given up work to care for him. He asked when & I gave him a brief timeline. He cried. He couldn't believe I had given up my career for him. It is the first time he has ever mentioned it.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
We agreed the criteria and think we judged the date right as we are about there. Many will not understand this decision but we spent much of our capital having adventures and creating memories not on altering our home for the next stage. Joint decision. 2/n
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Seven months ago today this man finally left my life. Still miss him every day.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Have been a bit weepy the past week. Much more than earlier. Is that as shock wears off? Is it now the busyness of the funeral is over? Or is it perhaps because this is the longest I have been away from him in 48 years. I think it is that. This is for the rest of my life now. 😥
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Yes he is a little confused, overwhelmed and weepy tonight but he is that every night because he doesn't recognise me when he wakes. And he wakes a lot. We will still be be creating memories and having good times. We will still be together for much of the day. 3/n
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Went in to see my husband this afternoon to open the present that he and our eldest son had been in cahoots over. Wasn't expecting that!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Four months today. Feels like a lifetime ago some days and yesterday on others.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Thought I would also share this photo. We knew he had dementia by this point but we were going to have a great time!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
In the roller coaster world that is dementia, husband was in a bad way tonight. I sat with him till his evening medication was allowed and took effect. I played George Ezra as he had requested yesterday. I stroked his leg. Shall I flip a coin for tomorrow's experience?
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Happy birthday to my lovely husband. Gone but not forgotten. X
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
We got out for coffee today and a sit in the sunshine. Not far from the hospital but a car journey with all its transfers. He is giving you all a smile here.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Waves of grief, yep those. Hit by a huge one today. Cancelled everything I had planned and am just staying home. Cannot face anyone or anything today.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
And here he is in the lounge this morning. You would never guess what a shocking night he has had. Making the choice and having it go smoothly are not necessarily the same thing. Settling time for both of us. I miss him like mad.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
7 years
My husband completed his first park run today. He has taken up running since having Alzheimer's. I am so proud of him. #parkrun #dementia
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
6 years
40 years ago today i married my wonderful husband. Today we rode over 100 miles on the same motorbike to stay in the same hotel that we began our married life in. He doesn't remember it but knows it is important to me.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Fewer bumps today. Slowly settling. We are learning, they are learning. And he has found the coffee machine!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Today's positive tweet ... Nothing will beat this for the rest of the day .... My daughter-in-law got a recording of my husband saying "I love you" about two years ago. For Mothering Sunday they ordered, it arrived today, a bear with the recording in his paw.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Waiting for his tea tonight! Settling in is still a bumpy road but the home are amazing at sharing their issues, working together to try and find solutions. One thing which is NOT an issue is the food which he is loving and I don't blame him!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Husband has been in this Mental Health Unit for 260 days and leaves tomorrow for a palliative care place. Why have I only just discovered the free WiFi?
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
If you thought husband's @parkrun life was over .... think again. Look what the @rutwaterparkrun presented me with today from our local parkrun family in recognition of his contribution as a runner, a walker, a wheelchair occupant and volunteer. I think it was a bit dusty. 😭
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I took your advice and did a bit of self care this morning. I went to @rutwaterparkrun . Sunny but breezy. I set myself the target of walking the 5km in 50mins. My final time was 47min 57secs. Job done.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
It is a year ago today the dreadful establishment calling itself a care home had my poor husband sectioned for having disturbed nights and hallucinations both probably caused by the broken back they failed to seek any medical help for. I will never forgive them.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I got three smiles tonight! 😀😀😀🍾🍾🍾
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Another smile for you. He was amazed at all the smiles, waves & good wishes. Sat in ward garden & listened to a podcast on Bengal tigers in Nepal. He loved it. Have downloaded loads on his phone so should be able to listen to them regularly. Very tiring for him but interesting.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
As the engraving on the inside of the ring says .... Together Forever. My Ashes to Glass ring arrived today.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
4 years
Having a bad day with husband's dementia today. Just that. We will work through it. Sending hugs to everyone else having a bad day.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Struggling today. Gut wrenchingly tired. Fed up with being in pain. Incredibly lonely. But must get myself moving to cook husband's food for the day, drive to the mental health unit, feed him, maintain cheerful one sided conversation for two hours and drive home.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Five months today. Feels like forever. Feels like yesterday. Miss you darling. Always will. X
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Happy Christmas to all my Twitter friends. To the recently widowed facing their first Christmas alone, we can do this, we can plod through, it won't be the same, nothing ever will but we can get through. Try to find one thing to smile about and share them later.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
4 years
Husband was looking at some old photos today. Struggled to recognise anyone. Looked at one photo and said "I always liked her. Lovely woman. Shame we didn't stay in touch." The photo was of me about fifteen years ago. Nice that he liked me.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
RIP Cloe Wise 2006 - 2023 Go and find him and sit next to him again.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Look what he has managed to order from his hospital ward! I suspect he had some help from our eldest son but nonetheless....
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
@maryamnerjis Young onset dementias are often different. He was still there till the last few days. In some ways that made it worse. In some ways it made it better.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
On his death he donated his brain to research. In his memory we have made the Dementia Research Centre his chosen charity to try and raise money towards that research. If you knew Trevor and wish to contribute please go to:
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Everyone says I am doing really well. I appear to be functioning. Only I know the truth. Forgetting. Mistaking. Sitting staring. Can't do this without him.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Look who I got out for a visit to our local Friday market and then coffee in the hotel garden. He is now back in the unit and I suspect fast asleep!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I have had to sit very quiet about my news for what feels like too long. I can now tell you .... our eldest son has been promoted to Professor - Professor of Leather Science. We are very proud.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I am one of the Government's economically inactive - young enough to work but not actively seeking work. I wonder how many other unpaid carers are? The social care crisis is hitting more than just social care, it is hitting the entire economy. Sorting it is where the growth lies.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
10 months
I found out this week that my big sister is not on X so I can share this with you after all. As a break from knitting I embroidered her a bag for Christmas.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
5 years
@detly Husband was starting his @OpenUniversity degree when our son was born. Severe colic. Had to have attention all day. Husband walked around with him in papoose reading his Science units to him. Son was gifted at science at school, now has PhD in Chemistry. Never too young!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
When will the guilt stop? When will I stop lying awake at night thinking I could have done more? When will I stop questioning every decision? When will I stop worrying I let him down?
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Still not allowed to see husband so wrote him a letter tonight to be read to him. I wrote the chat I would have told him over his meal. I wrote as I would say it not as I would normally write. I will probably never know whether it even gets read to him but I feel better for it.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Husband is responding so well to the new medication that he was allowed to have his birthday tea with his girls. Despite looking asleep most of the time he came out with perfectly timed killer comments every so often.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Look who I drove in and collected today for coffee and chocolate in the garden by his pond!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
45 years ago today. Happy heavenly anniversary darling.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
@DoctorMayJay When first married, canvassers come to our house & asked if my Mum or Dad were in. I said no & he gave me a leaflet to pass on. I said they lived over 100 miles away so weren't eligible to vote. He asked who home owner was. I said me. He laughed and walked away. So did my vote!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Guess who got taken round to see his granddaughters today?
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Back at the hospital after an afternoon at the barbers. His usual barbers. 40 mile round trip. He is exhausted but very happy. He likes looking neat. It means a lot to him. I think the exhausted smile says it all.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
No photo again. I arrived to find him in his room with the door shut. Swallow hard and open the door .... found him sitting in his armchair with a carer in the other chair listening to Meatloaf rather loudly on the Echo, hence the closed door. Happy as Larry!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
@Jennife10651535 He was a very kind man and very much the quiet gentle one of our partnership!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
My cover has been blown by @DuellMum .... I was today declared one of the three councillors for our town on the County Council (really a unitary). I am exhausted from campaigning but delighted to be continuing this man's legacy locally.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Husband had a dentist appointment today. That was fun. But I must give a shout out to the Mental Health Unit he is held in, even though I can't tag them. Dentist declared them among the cleanest teeth he has ever seen come out of hospital/care. Husband cannot clean them himself.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
9 months
14 months ago today this wonderful man physically left my life forever. These photos are from Christmas 2021. (I have no idea what profound comment he is making about the food. Probably a classic Trevor one liner.)
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
8 months
Feeling a little bit lonely today. I have just cancelled all my New Year's celebrations as I cannot risk a knock. I have been put on strong blood thinners to deal with a DVT in my leg. It will make the empty chair in the lounge a bit poignant as I start another year without him.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
My elderly neighbour of 29 years is moving to a care home on Monday. She insisted on taking me out for a meal today. We went @TheFalconHotel and had a very tasty, relaxed lunch. We both live alone now so the company was as welcome as the food. The weekend has started.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Today is 150 days since my husband was sectioned & put in a Mental Health Unit. Tomorrow it is 5 months. He has declared ready for discharge 3 months ago. He has been waiting for a care home place. Fully funded. Noone will take him. Darling of the staff on the unit.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
My husband is likely to be transferred from his Mental Health Unit to a private hospital soon. Funding is in place, contracts signed, nurse & doctor transfer is happening today. No-one has talked to me. I only know about it because the MHU has told me. No sight of the care plan.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
I feel a bit sad that my Mum's plot is over 100 miles away and will not receive any flowers today. I am being a Mum myself today and being taken out to lunch. I hope she understands I don't love her any the less.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
8 months
New Year's Day 2022. The last park run we did together and my fastest running with the wheelchair. I miss my park run buddy.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
#AlzChat one of the biggest battles I faced when my husband went into care was making them understand he was still present. He became almost non-verbal but he was still able to listen and understand and enjoy.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Today's positive tweet ... The cat sat on my lap for the first time since Trevor died. She was devoted to him.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Coffee out this morning with this gorgeous man at a pub very close to his MHU. He was very tired after a bad night but enjoyed the coffee. #StoughtonGrange #NiceCoffee
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Ten months today. Still feels like yesterday and yet feels like forever that I have been sad and lonely.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I am not sure there were any smiles tonight but we had a little chat for about 5 mins. He enjoyed some smoked almonds and chocolate ginger puddles even if he didn't eat much dinner. Then I rubbed some hand cream into his hands before he fell asleep.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Tonight husband was sleepy. He had a few mouthfuls of food and then we listened to Eric Clapton during which he ate more weight in chocolate than he had in his meal!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
7 years
So husband with Alzheimer's tackled 2nd #parkrun at diff venue. #rutlandwaterparkrun Finish is still confusion to him but he loves them.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
It is now 100 days that I have been taking my husband's food into him in the Mental Health Unit. Decided to celebrate and give him a three course meal tonight.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Too busy eating smoked almonds to raise a smile. He enjoyed the few he had. Rest saved for another day.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Today I achieved my 100th Park Run and my 100th Volunteer on the same day @rutwaterparkrun . It was sad that Trevor wasn't there to share it but the support I got from other volunteers and runners was amazing.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Had permission to take him out for a walk today in the wheelchair around the grounds. He moaned the whole time because of the cold and kept pulling faces at the camera, so this is the best of the bunch!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I have just been back to the ward to collect the empties and persuaded them to bring him to the door. I told him why I couldn't come in. Told him I had been sat in the car park. Told him I loved him. Huge smile. Huge, huge smile. Let's see if we can do the same tomorrow.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
I have brighter news for you today but no photo. Brought husband back to our town this morning to have a coffee with our elderly neighbours in the @TheFalconHotel It was lovely. He joined in with smiles & smirks & laughs in the right bits of the conversation.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
10 months
Thirteen months yesterday this lovely man physically left my life. My goodness I have missed his support during this operation and recovery. There have been times ...
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
She asked for my name and address so she could send me a card. I said there was no need just help someone else in the future. We have all needed the kindness of strangers at some time. Today a bunch of flowers arrived with a note. Serious detective work gone on there. How lovely!
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
1 year
Yesterday's positive tweet .... (Sorry in all the rush I forgot.) Proud parent moment ... our son being presented at University of Northampton as a new professor.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
6 years
@bbcquestiontime @BBCOne @bbc5live @Jacob_Rees_Mogg @lisanandy @jimmy_wales @graceblakeley @GeoffNorcott I used to watch this programme and enjoy the often lively debate but the continual provision of airtime to unimportant people like Farage and Rees-Mogg along with some seriously biased audiences has made it a nonsense and not worth watching.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
It is one year since Trevor and I did our last parkrun together. We didn't know it would be our last. Today I marshalled the Juniors. He used to love that role. I took along his famous hooter and gave it its first airing for a year. He made sure the sun was shining.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
My 88 year old neighbour just messaged me to see how I was and whether I needed anything from the shops.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Lunchtime. Fish pie today which was demolished pretty quickly. Still got his appetite! Those eyes weren't seeing a lot today but I got a hug when I went which is the first for a while.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
3 years
Warmed up enough for a little walk round the garden today. He had a difficult night out of the blue. Don't know where his brain went but it was not a pleasant place. Slowly came round but clearly upset him. Let's hope there are not too many more nights like that during settling.
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@bikerwise
Bikerwise
2 years
Son and I went out to lunch today. I was treating him but somehow he managed to pay!
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