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| The WSA Story |
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When one is sick . . . two need help!The Well SpouseTM Association is a national, 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization founded in 1988 by author and spousal caregiver, Maggie Strong, whose husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). With much encouragement, she wrote a book, Mainstay: For the Well Spouse of the Chronically Ill. Maggie understood that to simply write a book was not enough. Where would those well spouses turn to after they read her book? So, she placed these words in the back pages of Mainstay, "National Well Spouse . . . We don't exist, but why not? If you are interested . . . send a postcard to . . .". Membership fees, individual donations, foundation and corporate grants, bequests, endowments and commemorative gifts support our organization. Thank you, Maggie, for your powerful words that have reached thousands of us, enabling us to reach out to each other in the true spirit of "You are not alone."
Disclaimer: While the Well SpouseTM Association (WSA) wishes to be as helpful as possible, we are not a social service agency and do not represent ourselves as professional providers of advice, counseling or referrals. We are solely a peer led, mutual aid, self-help support organization. Any statements made by members of WSA are the statements of lay people, of struggling spousal caregivers who have affiliated in their common need to feel connected, consoled and encouraged; any statements made by WSA members are merely personal expressions and opinions and are not intended to direct, instruct or guide anyone who contacts WSA. |
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| The Most Loving Thing |
The Most Loving ThingBy Dizzy -- WSA Support Group Leader, Forum and WSA Member A year ago today I walked out of the assisted living community without her. It was quiet--deeply quiet--walking alone to my rented car and driving away. Away. A dreadful word loomed just beyond my sense of exhaustion, relief and freedom. I didn't think about it head-on, but it lurked there waiting. Abandonment. A series of illness had hijacked her, and me, and dropped us in a strange land. Her with dementia, me with my own madness for which I have no name. It is the madness of loss--loss of a lovely home, a good job, friends, family, retirement, travel, community, intimacy, companionship--peace. |
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