My husband and I spent a much-needed month in Florida for a vacation, and it was a wonderful trip. However, I couldn't help but notice a significant change in Brian's demeanor. He became unusually irritable, deeply engrossed in playing computer games, seemingly oblivious to the passage of time, and disconnected from the reality of our surroundings. Moreover, he displayed a lack of interest in many of his usual hobbies and refused to participate in activities.
During a day by the pool, Brian mentioned having a severe headache – an uncommon occurrence for a man who rarely complained or fell ill. Though I provided him with Tylenol, I didn't think much of it at the time. Midway through our vacation, Brian expressed a sudden desire to fly home and return to work. While allowing him to do so, I opted to fly back a week later, sensing that something was amiss.
Upon returning home at the end of March, we resumed our normal routine – Brian working in the poultry business and myself as an IT recruiter. Despite appearances, Brian remained intensely focused and detached. Concerned about our marriage, I initiated a conversation, but he assured me everything was fine. With two decades of knowing him, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was indeed wrong.
As we navigated the process of selling our boat and acquiring a smaller one for our lakeside home, an alarming incident occurred during a Saturday outing. While driving along a familiar highway, Brian admitted to feeling disoriented, unaware of his location and the appropriate exit. This confirmed my suspicions that something was seriously wrong.
Brian had a scheduled doctor's appointment for a general physical, and I insisted on accompanying him. I didn't reveal my intention – to alert the doctor to the noticeable changes in Brian's behavior. Little did we know, this decision marked the beginning of a profound and irreversible shift in our lives.