Our future no longer in limbo.

Well, we had made it safely to our holiday destination. DB was more agitated than
before about flying, but we did manage it well enough not to get too many problems.
It does, however flag up concerns for any future travel with him when it comes to
traversing through crowded places. - It took us a few days to get him settled after
travelling, but as we were staying with his sister and her husband we were in good
hands. And, by the end of the first week of our vacation he was feeling more relaxed
and happier in the new environment. His mood improved and his behaviour was more
like he used to be before all the troubles with dementia. We took a few outings on our
own and he seemed quite happy to engage in sightseeing, days spent at the sandy
beach, swimming in the Black Sea and generally chilling. The vacation did us both
the world of good. He slept better at night, albeit helped by a few pints of beer he
consumed during some of our stay. He enjoyed the foods we ate in restaurants as
well as at his sisters home in Bulgaria. I could finally relax and see his health improve
with the fresh air, the sunshine and the laid back atmosphere that was all around us.

We`ve come back home refreshed, with a slight sun tan for me and a dark brown tan
for him, which makes him look as if he had spent a long time abroad. The fortnights
vacation in Bulgaria has certainly made good memories for us. We had spent time in
good company, meeting his cousin Jenny and her hubby in the second weeks stay, too.
So, there were evenings with card games for Rick, eating out at exciting places, some
nights cooking Curries at his sisters place and plenty of new experiences, new places
to explore during our stay and a few new friendships formed with the locals.
For the first time in ages he forgot to cause arguments; we actually laughed more
together, and he was eventually more loving towards me again. By the end of our
vacation I had the feeling that we had finally turned a more positive corner with this
dementia.
One week after our vacation and we still were waiting for our local council to contact
us about our wish to downsize. I rang their offices and was told that our application
had not been accessed yet, but due to high demands they would have to take more
time to do so.
We felt slightly deflated about the future prospect after that phone call. - Just two days
after my call I received a return phone call from the relevant office to tell me that our
application had been approved and we should get a confirmation letter to allow us
now to move forward. We are elated! - Our plans to move to our 'Forever Home' are
now back on track with authority`s approval. With a little bit of luck we should be able
to celebrate Christmas this year in our new home. Such a relief after all we have been
through already.
DB`s mood has stabilized for now and I can actually enjoy his company again at times.
He`s more optimistic and feels better in himself again as a brain scan result has also
come back from the Neurologist, re-assuring him that what he`s suffering from is only
to be expected from a previously heavy smoker like himself. The neurologist is also
convinced that DB is suffering from a form of depression. Finally having been given a
diagnosis has helped Rick to feel more settled in himself now. We both feel more able
to cope with whatever the future holds for us from now on. - Onwards and upwards!