The roles of a husband and wife can often be likened to a king and queen ruling over their kingdom. Glen often boasted that as the ‘King of Campbellot,’ he always had the last word. “Yes, dear.” Kidding aside, I enjoyed the romantic aspects of having an alpha male husband as my lover, provider, hero, and defender.
Take me away with you—let us hurry!
Let the king bring me into his chambers.”
– Song of Songs 1:4
I noticed after many years of marriage that Glen was becoming dependent on me for certain things. There were times when I would ask him to do something and he would answer me with, “Okay, Mommy.” I thought this was odd. I wondered if he was lovingly reminding me that he’d made me a mother three times or if he might be hinting that I was mothering him. The more frequently he responded to me like this, the more perplexed I became. I sensed a subtle submission that seemed contrary to the King Of The Castle authority figure that I knew him to be. One day I responded to him with, “I’m not your mommy, I’m your wife,” to which he sweetly replied, “But I’m your little boy.” Confused and exasperated, I pleaded, “I want you to be my man, not my little boy!”
The strange behaviour started making sense after we got the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Our roles were changing. In addition to being his wife, I would gradually become his mother, his nurse, his conservator, the leader of our family, and his protector. Saying, “Okay, Mommy” was Glen’s lighthearted and possibly even subconscious way of placing himself into the hands he trusted most.
Glen did not go through retrogenesis (mentally regressing from old age to infancy) as some people with Alzheimer’s do, but he did become childlike in many ways. I made sure he was never left alone and took measures to safeguard the house by locking up the medicines and cleaning products that might be harmful if ingested, removing the key to turn on the gas fireplace, keeping sharp objects out of sight, and fencing the property to make sure he couldn’t wander away. (Guns should always be kept locked away – Alzheimer’s or not!)
Now, when I hug Glen every day, I pretend – even just for a moment – that he is still my king.
Something in our embrace must speak to his heart as well, because when he wraps his strong arms around me, he squeezes me just like he used to and makes me feel like I’m still his queen. Glen is the king of my heart, and always will be.
Kim Campbell – the Queen of Campbellot
*Here’s a little bonus footage of Glen being a different kind of king!
Thank you, Kim! As my husband is into his 4th year diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, & he was ALWAYS the head of our home, it is indeed hard for me to take on all of what he used to do. & I know how difficult it is for him not to be able to do those things. I don’t know how you have done it, but it is so hard for me to switch hats from care giver to wife again, if you know what I mean. Hugs to you & prayers for you & Glen as you continue on this journey.
You inspire me and give me strength Kim. My husband has muscular system atrophy and it is terminal!
Thank you, Kim. For most of my nursing career, I have cared for people who have dementia. Your post is spot on. May God give you comfort as you lovingly care for your King.
I’ve been following along here since my mom was diagnosed several years ago. Glenn’s story, your experiences, “l’ll be me..” Yes, they’ll be themselves and much more. I feel sometimes like I’ve lived to see my mom go through her own childhood and adolescence…. Not a (dis) pleasure I’d wish on anyone, but I do so enjoy getting an update here and there on Glenn. A Better Place…. my favorite song.
To have so many great memories must give you comfort, such an awful condition I wish Glen peace and send strength to the Campbell family. X
I watched the Documentary about You and Glen and your Family, was very informative and reminded us how much we love Glen and his talent. So sorry anyone has to go through this with a loved one, what a life changer, something no one would ever sign up for, but you have remained loyal. I have a lot of respect for You and what you chose to do with these last years. He will always be one of my favorites, and loved the Elvis bit, never saw it before, shows you how talented that Glen is.
My wife was diagnosed with early stage AD four years ago. She currently is in an Alzheimers Special care facility and from what I can tell has very similar conditions as Glen. However, I think she is about a year behind Glen in her progression of the disease. Not to seem cast but I follow the reports of Glen’s condition as a sort of barometer to anticipate developments in my wife’s condition. I don’t want to seem uncaring about Glen’s condition…for such a wonderfully talented person to suffer from this disease is heart breaking to say the least.
I pray for God’s comfort for both you and Glen and for everyone affected by this horrible disease.
I remember as a child that I would have to get up early in the morning (6:30) and my dad would wake me up at that exact time by calling the radio station to play Galveston. KBOX 1480 in Dallas. I have an 85% hearing loss bilateral, so I think all the neighbors woke up with me. He made huge difference in my life as I did not have any friends due to my disability. I just want everyone to know, Glenn Campbell is a hero and a friend to me, although I’ve never personally met him!
You’re doing a great job Kim and as I think back on my life, he was a great friend to me when I didn’t have any! You’re truly a strong woman! I love you guys and keep you in my prayers.
Kim, thank you so much for being so open about Alzheimer’s and the effect it has on you, Glen and all those who love him. My husband passed to be with the Lord a year ago afer a six year battle with Alzheimer’s. Reading your words, they ring so true in my heart, and are such a comfort, despite the pain. They gave me strength when I didn’t think I could go on, and the video, I’ll Be Me, was played over and over again. Thank you for doing the hardest thing ever, to share you pain and hope, and to use your situation to give comfort to so many others. God Bless you, and your family. The Lord is good and greatly to be praised!
Hi Kim I can relate so much as I have been caring for my husband who has dementia for several years now. I was curious to ask you if glen knew who you were in the end stages? Prayers for you and your family.
My Mother suffered with Alzheimer’s for about 6 yrs. I became her POA and I have never took on a more physically or emotionally draining job. I felt at a loss with what to do for my poor Mother….she knew something wasn’t right in her head.She would ask me “What can we do”?? I had no answers and it broke my heart I couldn’t find the answer to take this horrible illness away. I cried my eyes out as I watched her go through the stages……as you said….Kim. I now became the Mother and my Mom was the child.I took care o everything for her,including her funeral basically by myself. Even though it was terribly stressful and I have my own health issues I’d do it again! She passed away in 2011 at the age of 84. When I read that Glen had Alzheimer’s…I cried!!! I loved him and his wonderful musical talent since I was 16 yrs old….and I’m 63 now.I really wish I could of seen Glen perform,but never did. I was always a fan!!! I’m sending you and your family a pray of comfort and sincere sympathy.Also sending hugs and love to the Campbell family. God Bless <3
I know how difficult it is to take care of a loved one with this disease. Both of my in laws have this and are now in a home. Family was taking care of them for a year. Neither of them know each other or any of us. You and your kids did such a great job taking care of him. No one knows how hard this disease is on the family and caregivers. I pray they find a cure. May God keep you and your family strong, and may Glen be flying with the angels.
Kim, my mom once called me “mommy” and I reminded her she was my mom and I was her daughter. She looked at me and said ” I just know you are the one who takes care of me” wisdom from an Alzheimer’s patient – we have all received it if we listened. My prayers go out for you and your family in Glen’s passing. He is still with you and will find various ways to let you know this. You and your family need to rest after your long journey. Glen is fine, happy, and loves you!!
Still love and miss his smiles! He will always be a part of all of us and no greater man ever lived! You were blessed to have the best and I hope you carry him with you always.