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Does it take turning 60 to see the value of slowing down? Or, as you say, do we need to slow down to cope with rapid change? I think both are true (a very political answer, as Hillary would say).

I retired in January after struggling for four years balancing my full-time job and my husband, who was diagnosed in 2019 with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

I spend my time with him now, non-rushed, sitting quietly, breathing the same air because that is all I can do with him. He does not know who I am. He is not coherent.

There's nothing to talk about. There's no sharing involved. It is simply quiet time spent near a person I love dearly.

He will die, sooner rather than later. I opted to experience this end of life change rather than avoid it. Lily Tomlin was right.

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I am in tears from your words, being with your husband and yourself in this way is a noble spiritual practice. Living with kindness and love without “busyness” or achievement is the ultimate practice. I had a small taste of this caring for my parents, but I can’t imagine the expanse of love and patience you have. Knowing you for decades, I could easily predice your big hearted take on this stage of life.

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