My Hero: The LOML

 
Curious about this post title? “My Hero: The LOML” As readers know, I call my wife Linda “the love of my life.”  Today, I want to honor my hero: the LOML. Through this discussion, we want to express our appreciation for all caretakers who do so much for us!! ❤️

To Lovely Linda – My Hero: The LOML

To begin, before we talk about why Linda is my hero, let us count our blessings. Linda and I have had a great life. Even with some big bumps on the road. We have two wonderful daughters and  sons-in-law. They recently arranged for a new family photo shoot. Here’s a funny one.

Front: Jennifer, Linda, Stacey. Back: Phil, Joel, Adam.

Linda the LOML fills all these boxes. She is a:

• Fantastic caregiver — According to the CDC: “Caregivers provide care to people who need some degree of ongoing assistance with everyday tasks on a regular or daily basis.”
• Hero to to me — As described by Elaine Kinsella: “They protect us from death or injury by intervening in emergency situations and protect us psychologically by helping us to get through tough times. The most defining characteristics of heroes include bravery, moral integrity, courage, conviction, honesty, willingness to protect others, and self-sacrificing.”
• True role model — Encyclopedia.com notes that: “Role models are individuals as exemplary or worthy of identification or imitation. 

Examples of why the LOML is great at all of these roles

Linda, every day, I tell you I love you. And how much I appreciate what you do for me. BUT, I do not tell you often enough how much I admire you. And respect you. And feel badly for all you are responsible for.

Ever since I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2015, Linda the LOML has always been there me. No matter the psychological and physical toll on her. I am so fortunate.

The “typical” most recent few weeks show the toll my care takes on her. Which I feel badly about. As previously noted, I fractured my wrist on September 24. Thus, I cannot drive or perform most household activities  Even though, overall, I am healthy and in good shape.

Indeed, Linda the LMOL is worn out:

• No driving means Linda takes me everywhere. In particular, I average two to three medical trips per week, including those that require a 45-minute drive each way. As well as the time per visit.
• For the last several years, I have gone with Linda to the supermarket and pack and carry everything. Linda is now stuck with this too, including toting 14-lb. cat litter bags.
• Also, before the accident,  I would make the bed, carry laundry up  from the basement, take out the trash, place clean dishes in cabinets, etc. Yup, Linda must do all of this too.
• At this juncture, Linda helps cut my food, dry off after showers, get pills out of bottles, etc.

And these tasks are in addition to her own activities, such as teaching at Hofstra. Furthermore, the preceding highlight Linda’s physical exertion. Yet, the psychological pain she endures may be even worse. She constantly worries about me. 

Linda the LOML,  I am sorry for all of this. All I can do is promise to be the best me possible. And work to be more considerate of you.

This image sums up how I feel.