|
Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
|
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
|
Akaisha
Update
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
It’s not getting any easier,
my friends. Not even a little.
I’m not trying to embarrass
Akaisha in any way, shape, or form by sharing these moments, but I am slowly
losing my best friend, my partner, my travel companion, and my wife—bit by bit,
every single day. Her short-term memory has vanished, making it almost
impossible to talk to her about pain or discomfort. I have to guess from knowing
her so deeply, and even then it’s often just a shot in the dark. This decline
has accelerated dramatically in the last few weeks, racing alongside her
physical deterioration.
This morning she didn’t know
my name. That hurt!
In many ways she’s becoming a
child again. When I hold her at night, I feel her sweet innocence like a baby,
and the tears come whether I want them to or not. It’s incredibly touching… and
heartbreaking. Knowing she is now completely dependent on me in every single way
weighs heavily on my heart. This is the same woman who was always so strong and
fiercely independent.
I’m doing the very best I
can, but I can’t shake the painful feeling that I must have missed
something—that maybe I could be doing more or doing it better. I keep searching
for answers, yet they remain out of reach.
I’ve expanded the hours of
one of our helpers so she can care for Akaisha. It’s given me some breathing
room to shop, plan meals, cook, and handle small repairs. Even so, I still hate
leaving her alone for long.
I’ve never walked this path
before, and I know many of you haven’t either. That’s why I share these pieces
of our reality—hoping it might bring some comfort or insight to others facing
the same storm. I constantly remind myself that this heartbreak is unfolding
every moment of every day all over the world. We are far from the first… and
sadly, we won’t be the last.
Please give your loved ones a
long hug tonight and tell them how much you love them. Do it while you still
can.
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their
time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly
follow the crowd.
HOME
Book Store
Retire Early Lifestyle Blog
About Billy & Akaisha
Kaderli
Press
Contact
20 Questions
Preferred
Links
Retirement
Country Info
Retiree Interviews
Commentary
REL
Videos
|
