Dear Queenie,
A while ago my husband had a stroke and now he is partly paralyzed and can’t talk clearly. All our friends seem to have disappeared. They never come to visit anymore and when I called to invite one couple to dinner they said no, because they couldn’t stand to see him that way.
How do they think I feel? I have to take care of him all day every day! I could use some company and so could he. Just because he is physically disabled doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with his brain!
Queenie, what’s the matter with these people?—Tied down and lonely
Dear Tied down and lonely,
Apparently your “friends” were of the “fair weather” variety. Instead of wasting time waiting for them and resenting it when they do not come or call, start trying to make new friends.
Perhaps you can arrange with Sister Basilia Centre, the District Nurses or the Senior Citizens Recreational Center for occasional day care for your husband. It will give you a chance to get out of the house occasionally and at the same time will broaden your husband’s horizons as well.
Contact the Women’s Desk. They may have some other suggestions. They can also offer you counselling on how best to cope with your circumstances.
