Of all of the various directions that I have encountered in my 91 one plus years of life on this planet I think that this is probably the one that has had the most profound effect in my everyday living.
There is no one to say, Verlie, this is what needs to be done. No one to say, Verlie, this is for your own good, or your own happiness, or for someone’s well being. This is it. It is my life, it is my husbands life, and I must do what is right for us. Our six living children, our 13 grandchildren, our many great grandchildren, they are all a part of us and everyone has their ideas about our path forward. Prayers and encouragement have been extended and we all know that we want the best for Bob and I.
And so do we. Of course we do. There is one major problem tho. It is no longer in our best interests for Bob and I to make the decisions together. His memory is fading with his 93 years and now he must trust me to do is best for him. The best thing about that is that he does. He loves and trusts me as I do him. It is an honor that this is so. We have lived together for almost 33 years now and we have had many happy and productive years together. Our children love and honor him with everything that they say and do. My four sons are grateful that he has been so good to me. His two girls are the daughters I never had. And our son in laws and daughter in laws are our children in word and deed.
But it has become time to make the changes. For two weeks now Bob has been living at the White Lake Assisted Living facility and he is now in the Memory unit. He has his own belongings and his own many photographs and a favorite chair to watch his television in. He has many aides to help him when he needs it. They have great meals and their own chef to prepare them.
One thing everyone can say about Bob is that he is a very friendly soul and always thanks them for everything. I can tell the aides like that already. We live 22 miles north of White Lake Facility so it is easy for me to drive there each day. Winter is going to be a challenge, no doubt, but I am working on that.
Bob is always going to be remembered as the Apple Man. He sold every variety of fruit to Muskegon County at the Muskegon Farmers Market for over 50 years. He gave my friend Loyce Tapken, the Apple that she gave to me that led to our happy marriage.
I am so thankful that I can still write to all of you, my friends, on my trusty IPad, and give you our news. Writing on here is one of the major blessings of my life. Sending you all love and blessings. 💕 theappleladyblog.com 💕. Verlie Rider💕