Just ranting a bit - Alzheimers

Till death do us part.  Hmmm  - remember saying that on my wedding day.  I know lots of couples who haven't followed that vow - but I know about as many who have.

I just saw where Pat Robertson has said it is ok for a person to divorce a spouse who has Alzheimers.  REALLY?  So let's get down to the nitty gritty!  If a spouse is being abused, hurt or manipulated - then find the nearest divorce court and go for it.  If a spouse lies, cheats, deceives and/or emotionally abuses  - then follow the first suggestion.  Get the phone, call a lawyer and get out.

BUT really?  Really, Pat?  I don't watch him, but I do know who he is and I try to flip past that channel as fast as my little fingers will go.  For him to suggest a person divorce their spouse because of Alzheimers makes my blood boil.  It is one thing when both parties are sane, intelligent and can fight it out in court.  It is a whole other ballgame when one spouse is totally in a world where no one else can enter.  They cannot even defend themself, or make their wishes known, or say the words, "I love you."  How can that be right to toss a husband or wife away just because you want to have a different life?  Love doesn't stop just because someone is totally incapacitated by Alzheimers.  It doesn't stop just because that loved one doesn't recognize them.  It doesn't stop because that person can't have a conversation, hold a hand, give a kiss or hug. 

My daddy had Alzheimers the last 10 years of his life.  For years, he did fairly well, some forgetfullness, etc. In the last stages, when we visited, he would start crying. I felt he knew we were someone he should know and love, but he couldn't communicate any way but crying.   Towards the end of his life, he didn't recognize any of us - not even my mom.  He just laid there in the bed in a semi coma for a long, long time.  My mom loved my daddy until the day she died.  When he died, my mom cried and asked him why he had left her.  She died two months to the day later.  She was eaten up by cancer, but personally, I think she died from a broken heart.  She certainly didn't quit loving daddy just because he could no longer talk to her, or recognize her or hold her hand and walk down the street. 

That said, I am not in that position so maybe I shouldn't judge.  I only know that nothing stops love.  Not accidents, injury, illness or Alzheimers.  Nothing!