37. When Early Onset Dementia Meant Becoming Her Husband’s Caregiver with Texas A&M Aggie, Horticulturist, Plant Consultant, Lifelong Gardener, Mom, and Grandma – Charla Anthony

In this episode of Courage Becomes Her, Charla Anthony talks about her husband’s early onset dementia at 59 years old and her journey as his caregiver for over 11 years. She talks about how they became aware of his illness and the sudden shift it created in their lives. She talks about the financial impact as they were both still working and needed income. She talks about the team of people that supported them, and how she allowed herself to receive help. She talks about how she attempted to take care of herself and continue in her career while managing the daily caregiving for her husband.

 Charla is a 5th generation Central Texas gal, with her family having settled in the Bryan/College Station area over 200 years ago. She is a faithful A&M Aggie. Charla has been a gardener for six decades and has proudly served her community as a professional horticulturist, plant consultant, columnist, and Master Gardener instructor. She brings her expertise about gardening in zone 8b to us through her Instagram, YouTube, and blogs on her website. When she’s not in her garden, she loves spending time with her two granddaughters and their mom and dad, gathering with friends for Bible study, and traveling to see gardens and landscapes.

 Please connect with Charla through her Instagram, her website, and sign-up for her blog where she shares gardening insights and tips.

 Resources from my conversation with Charla:

·       Enneagram Coach, Kathy Reiter - https://zoe-life.net/

·       The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

·       Baylor’s Alzheimer Disease Center

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Production by Studio C Creative Sound