While Diane was alive, I kept myself in good physical condition for two reasons.
First, I knew I would have to be in good health to give her the care she would need. I had gradually assumed more and more of the role of caregiver as her health problems multiplied, starting with autoimmune disease in the early 1990s.
Second, I wanted to be healthy after she was gone. I knew that this role could continue for years more, and I wanted to be healthy enough to enjoy the rest of my life after that.
I expected to be older than this. It has happened suddenly, and I still need time to assimilate the change — more than just losing Diane — and Jennifer– it is finding a new meaning for my life, and a new approach to living, after many years of caring for her health. It is a new stage in life. Where does it lead?