Left Behind
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Ann Sternberg lies in bed with no one by her side as she tries to overcome complications from a blood tumor. The 91-year-old Alzheimer's patient made a full recovery, but her mental capacity worsened.
Left Behind
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Herb makes his way to the care facility his wife has been living at since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2000. Herb, who makes daily visits, is the only member of the family Ann sees -- although she doesn't recognize him any more.
Left Behind
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Ann is taken out of her room for a walk outside with Herb. During his daily visits Herb talks about the family, but Ann rarely acknowledges that he's even there.
Left Behind
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In a rare display of affection, Ann allows Herb to kiss her. When Herb went for another before he left Ann, she quickly denied his attempt and said, "It wouldn't be right. I wouldn't do that."
Left Behind
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Simple actions like playing with a balloon are difficult for both Ann and Herb. "Look at what they make them do here. They're treating my wife as if she was a child."
Left Behind
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The staff of Ann's care facility provide the attention Herb longs for since his wife was stricken with Alzheimer's. Herb visits with the staff just as much as he does his wife during his visits.
Left Behind
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Herb’s biggest fear came true in April 2004 when Ann didn’t recognize her husband of 71 years. "It doesn’t matter any more. She's gone. I just come by to make sure she's comfortable because no one else in the family will."
Left Behind
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Since Ann moved into the care facility, Herb has had to learn to fend for himself. That includes cooking, cleaning and of course shopping. Trips to the store can be aggravating for Herb who tries to find his half gallon of milk because the full gallon is more than he could use in two weeks.
Left Behind
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"My wife was an amazing cook," Herb said reflecting back on the days that Ann pampered him. "Now I come in here to cook a bowl of beans and I’m totally lost -- and it’s getting worse."
Left Behind
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Herb has reluctantly grown accustomed to being alone. Besides his trips to see Ann and weekly shopping trips, Herb stays at home.
