The "B" words

I call this phase of our journey - AS (After Stroke).  Obviously to me, BS = Before Stroke.  I refer to these acronyms while talking to Bob now and then which makes him laugh.  Now please do not take any other connotation to their meaning (at least not unless you know something I don't).  In this phase of our journey, AS, Bob has had to assume a different role in our relationship.  Whereas even nowadays, the male of the couple takes on a somewhat dominant role (or at least we make them think so), I am now the dominant one.  I make sure things get done.  I establish the routines.  I am the one who dictates whether or not he eats, drinks and smokes, and what. 

BS (before the big one), Bob could handle, or so he thought, the ability to digest any ugly and greasy food he wanted.  Burgers were his favorite.  I bet he ate at least 4 or 5 per week when we went out to eat.  Now Bob is not a big eater but it was what he ate not how much.   And he ate way too much sugar.  Thus, the Good Cholesterol Levels were not high enough according to the results of his hospital tests.

AS (again, after the big one), he can't (or should I say, shouldn't) eat the big "B" foods--Butter, Bacon & Beef.  He can have some very lean BEEF in moderation, I Can't Believe It's Not BUTTER, and Turkey BACON.  Now this is a challenge.  He has always eaten whatever he wants.  It's hard to change this old dog.  Now he doesn't realize some of the changes, when I cook.  But when we go out to eat, which we do a couple times a week for lunch (mainly to get out of the house), he sits right down and orders what he's always ordered--a "close to rare" steak or hamburger.  Now all of you are going, "Are you kidding me?"  and my response is "NO!"  If it's not those two items, it's a meatball sub, or philly cheesesteak, or something like that.  It's awful.  So, I have to say very sweetly, "Honey, you really should eat something a little healthier, don't you think?"  And the look I get is "KILL KILL KILL."  We compromise.  Sometimes he forgets he's had a stroke and that he is supposed to eat BETTER and I just have to remind him.  But those other times, it's the "I can eat whatever I want attitude" that I get.  Oh, it's hard to be the BAD Guy.  Ask anyone who has had to enforce rules, like maybe a Mom?  I don't want to be Bob's Mom.  I just want to be his fiancee, and soon his wife. 

Another "B" is our cat "Buzz" (only Georgia Tech fans will get the meaning here).  Buzz and Bob, I've decided are very much alike.  Now I say this with love, because I love both of these Bad boys.  Buzz is spoiled.  Bob is now spoiled.  Buzz is demanding, now Bob is, too.  Buzz is stubborn.  Bob is also (and has always been).  Buzz has no patience, well, yes...duh.  So, basically, I am Sargent at Arms to the B Boys!!

Another B word is BEAUTIFUL.  That is our relationship.  In spite of this episode in our lives, we are beautiful together.  We are also BLESSED.  We are blessed to have found each other, and blessed and thankful to be alive.  We have wonderful families and so many people who love us. 

Right now, the two boys, Bob & Buzz, are sitting on the sofa, taking a Sunday morning nap.  Me, I'm Blogging. 

From the home of Hope & Courage,
Jody