I wrote in another thread a couple days ago that this is all VERY BIZARRE for the primary caregiver of an Alzheimers victim anywhere, let alone with a state funeral and the world looking on. I've been in the immediate family of an Alzheimers victim, and basically, the caregiver is "secluded" from society in general. When the victim passes, all of a sudden EVERYONE wants to see you and talk about the victim (whereas generally people avoided you and avoided discussing your loved one during the illness).
I've been there. It's a dizzying and exhausting experience. Plus, you do struggle with a little guilt tht wears on you because a certain part of you is so relieved.
Someone on television echoed your thoughts the other day.
They said the caregivers of Alzheimer's patients become so secluded that they forget the rest of the world is out there.
The person thought that Nancy Reagan would be deeply comforted to know she isn't quite as alone as she thought she was.