Hi Irma,
Yes, Linda looked good the entire time she was sick. Looking sick was one of her greatest fears when first diagnosed. She insisted each day (with the exception of the last week) that she get up, shower and have her hair & makeup perfectly done. Also, she always wore "regular" clothes and of course her jewelry!
Looking back today it's hard to remember how frustrated I'd feel spending two or more hours getting her showered, made up and dressed for the day and have her ask me to hold the magnifying mirror up to her face so she could "check out" her makeup. I'd look like hell after hauling her in and out of the wheelchair to the shower chair, wet from washing her in the shower, stinky from perspiration and hot flashes and have no makeup on myself because I'd not taken the time to put it on so that I could get to her house before her husband left for work. I willingly and (most days) happily did these things for Linda and usually was able to keep her from seeing my frustration and sacrifice by telling myself "wouldn't you want to have someone who would do this for you if the tables were turned". Linda always expressed her gratitude and apoligized for her "perfectionism".
As her friend I understood how necessary it was for her to feel "in control" of something in her life but it was only the grace of God that kept me from strangling her some days.
Today, a year and a half since she died, I find peace in knowing that I helped her live as normal a life as possible, and look good, while dying.
For all of the CALS out there, I say keep up the hard, frustrating, selfless, sad and exhausing work of caring for your loved one. There is no greater joy (after a time)
and no sweeter peace than that which comes from caring for both body & soul of one
that you love.
Happy Father's Day to all the great dads!
Blessings,
Jeanne