BRIGHT STAYING MERRY AND
isolating himself.
And every time I asked him to do something around the house, he would forget, which led to arguments.
‘This isn’t right, you need to get this sorted,’ I’d beg him.
He became so withdrawn, I even started to suspect Simon was having an affair.
But deep down I knew that wasn’t the case.
I felt like I was going crazy. ‘Have you noticed anything wrong with Simon?’ I’d asked friends and family.
‘No,’ they told me.
But I was sure something was wrong and researching dementia, I started to wonder.
We were back and forth to the doctor, but no one could find anything wrong. That was, until December 2019.
With doctor’s asking various questions, there were red flags.
‘He has Alzheimer’s,’ I said to my mum Rhoda, 76, getting back from an appointment on 23 December.
‘Don’t be stupid,’ she replied.
And while it plagued my mind that Christmas, I decided to make the most of it.
We had a family Christmas with Mum and the boys.
Going on an amazing holiday to Mexico for the end of the year, we’d only put the tree up.
Besides, I normally took the decorations down on Boxing Day anyway!
And sipping cocktails on a tropical beach that January, Simon seemed OK.
On 20 January 2020, Simon and I went to see the nurse practitioner for his test results.
‘I’m really sorry to tell you Simon, but you have early onset Alzheimer’s,’ she said.
From the look on his face, I saw Simon was astounded – it was heartbreaking.
But I felt a sense of relief – we could finally understand and deal with what was happening.
The whole day felt like an out-of-body experience.
‘Do you mind if we end the appointment early?’ Simon had asked.
Getting to the car park, we called Alex.
‘Could you come home from work?’ we asked him. ‘We have something to tell you and Oliver.’
I can’t really remember what was said – but they were both so shocked.
With help from the Alzheimer’s Society, we talked through all the practical measures we needed. Sorting our wills and granting me the power of attorney, we wanted to get everything in place.
Knowing Alzheimer’s is a degenerative condition was terrifying but as practical people, it was important we got things sorted.
But for a long time, Simon struggled to say he had Alzheimer’s – he didn’t mind people knowing or me telling others, but he couldn’t say the word himself.
‘How does it feel?’ I asked. ‘It’s like a heavy fog,’ Simon told me.
And finally understanding, our relationship was no longer on the rocks.
We could work together, understanding and navigating the new territory. And it was also important for us to still have a laugh and a joke, too.
Being in the pub with Simon and Mum, he was playing with his wedding ring.
‘Do not take that off,’ I said. ‘What is it?’ he asked. ‘Your wedding ring,’ I said. ‘How long have I had this?’ he asked.
‘I gave it to you,’ I said. ‘I have a matching one.’
And after some back and forth we burst out laughing.
It was a sad moment, but it is our reality.
And the next day, I pointed at his hand.
‘What’s that on your finger?’
I asked.
‘It’s my wedding ring, what do you think?’ Simon replied.
Simon is in the moderate stages of Alzheimer’s.
He can’t make any decisions – even if he wants a cup of tea.
Simon never complains, and he’s always so happy. Despite everything he looks after me.
Sadly now, Simon doesn’t have the capacity to choose quirky cards.
One Christmas, Alex had to help Simon to write his card.
‘It took him 45 minutes,’ he said. ‘I wanted to kill him!’
So instead, I choose a massive Christmas card for the whole family to sign together. And Simon gives me an old birthday and anniversary card.
This Christmas will be a quiet one – we’ll do a Christmas Eve buffet for the boys and spend Christmas Day snuggled up eating chocolate.
I’m still not a massive fan of Christmas but I will I cherish the time spent as a family.
Simon is absolutely the love of my life.
Despite everything, I think we’re incredibly lucky – we make the most of every day. Simon is the yin to my yang. However tricky the road ahead gets, I wouldn’t want to walk beside anyone else.
We now do one big family Christmas card
Silver is back on trend and it makes the perfect festive look.
Paired with a bold red lip, your makeup will sparkle into the night.
Makeup artist Sharell Redmond from Park Lane Beauty is here with an easy step-by-step guide to get you in the spirit.
1. You want to start off with your base and move on to the eyes – this is where the drama begins.
Take a cool toned eyeshadow and apply this through the crease of the eye to create a matte base.
We are then going to take the e.l.f Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow in Bling Bling (£6, Beauty Bay) and begin to apply this all over the lid using a flat eyeshadow brush.
The great thing about this product is that it doesn’t have to be applied neatly – instead, just apply the product over the lid of the eye and pat until it’s dry and you’re happy with the look and coverage.
2. Then, take a black liner of your choice and create a wing.
This will intensify the look and create a dramatic eye.
If you don’t want a wing, you can go for a smoked-out version with a black liner pencil. 3. Finish off the eye look with your favourite mascara.
4. Moving onto the lips, you want a pout that is sexy, bold and is going to last all night.
A red lip is a must for Christmas, so apply your favourite lipstick.
5. Finally, for that finishing pop, take your favourite powder highlighter and apply to the inner corner of the eye using a small brush.
Apply to the top of your cheek bones and across your décolletage, too.
hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk and we’ll try and help!
It’s time to pop the bubbly and get ready to ring in the season. With six popping shades, the new Fizzy Nail Collection from Mavala is ideal for the celebration. £6.40 each, Mavala
Pink Fizz: With rosy sparkles and reflections, reminiscent of glowing Champagne.
Red Fizz: With red speckles, a Christmastime classic, synonymous to friendship and love.
Blue Fizz: With blue flickers, comparable to a star studded nighttime sky.
Silver Fizz: With silver and black glimmers, sultry and evoking winter enchantment.
Gold Fizz: With golden sparkles reflecting a warm glow of candlelight or a bubbling Brut.
Green Fizz: With green glitters, for a fresh and festive overall effect.