They slip away before our eyes

I can't really remember when I first noticed the change in him. I should have been expecting it. I am talking about Alzheimer's. His mother had it and I had been told about her father having it. Of course back in those days they called it senility. The changes are so little common everyday mistakes. Missing keys, forgetting names. Then one day after we had gotten home from work he makes this statement, "we all went out to eat today and I didn't have any money." I ask him if he had his debit card with him. He gave me no response at first, just stared at me, then replied, do I have one? I ask for his wallet to which he handed me and showed the card to him. We both sat in silence. A few days later he tells me he wants to go fill up his truck so I ride with him. When we get to the gas station he gets out then ask me if I have any money? I don't know why but several days earlier I had cashed a check and give him half. I said you've spent all that money I gave you? He said he didn't have any so once again I ask for his wallet. And there is plenty of money in it. Once again neither of us say a word.
I was in total disbelief maybe stunned. What do you say? We don't we deny it. So that was how it started, he didn't remember alot of things. Started asking what is this or how do I use this. A little piece of him slipped away. I remember how he would have times that he seemed like he was getting worse, then he would level off and nothing changed. I soon realized it was a cycle.
The worst part was that I wanted him to maintain his dignity. Little by little tho it became evident we couldn't go out or visit with friends because he lost his social skills. So now the man that I adore so much, the man I fell in love with, is no longer the man I knew. I am no longer his wife, not in the husband/wife sense. I have become his caretaker and a host of other labels.
I get so tired for he is no longer able to work. Yet he (as best as I can tell) is able to be left alone. He told me one time after a visit with his mom at the nursing home. That is me. What do you mean, I asked? He replied, when I watched her today, I saw myself, I am going to be like that.
He was right. . .