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Message
Posted
Hello everyone.
I have been a member of this forum for some time now, but I am very 'lapsed'.
About three years ago my lady wife succumbed to Parkinson's, and now also Dementia.
I cared for Jean from day one, but just prior to Christmas, Jean could no longer bear her weight, and it became impossible for me to get her out of her chair. Consequently full-time care was necessary, and she has been admitted into a nursing home, where she can be cared for properly.
I am still struggling to adapt to living alone, and of course missing my wife, but it's getting easier, and I have managed to get back to my art.. I am so out of practice though, I won't be posting any new work just yet. All the same I would like to thank everyone who commented on my stuff, some in my absence, and I will be trying to get my painting muscle in order to post new work.
Maybe it's an advantage that I have my painting to turn to. I just wish my woodwork would also lure me, but maybe it's merely the cold weather that is stopping that! So, thanks to everyone again, and may I wish you all a belated, good New Year.
Regards
John (Artwayze) 
Edited
by johnw9
Posted
Well, happy new year to you, to begin with, and thanks for your courage in telling your story.
I hope you don't feel in any way guilty - though people often do - for having to accept that you can't look after your wife any more at home. I've seen this happen, I've seen people try, and fail, to cope - with consequences that are miserable for the cared-for as well as the carer. It just isn't always feasible, sad though that is. Physical dependence is one thing, but dementia on top can make a difficult situation impossible.
The painting will enable you to concentrate on something outside of yourself - I don't much believe in therapeutic art (a discussion we've just had here) but I do believe that those who paint, or write, or do any really creative thing, have a life apart, in which they can lose themselves and strengthen themselves at the same time. (More of our politicians would be better people if they had this.)
Woodworking - well, I'm not very good at that, but even if I was this really isn't the weather for it; it does of course offer the practical and useful, as well as the creative element: I think the most useful interests, quite apart from their own inherent value, are those that stimulate the imagination and help the mind to work in different ways, ways that look outwards: so I hope you'll feel you can show us some of your new work before too much longer, and that it makes you feel better: which is probably why most artists are artists, when you've stripped all the flannel and flummery away.
Posted
I would echo Marjorie's comment that painting will help you get your life together again after the sad loss of your wife. I would just add one bit of advice. Painting on your own can be a very lonely activity and I would urge you to try and find a friendly art community where you can meet other painters and share ideas. If a group of painters does not exist in your locality then join an adult Further Ed. art class for company. You will certainly meet friendly people on the Forum but personal weekly meetings with other painters are far better. Kind regards, Rob.