Thanks for sharing the update Ben, it's important to talk it out. Yep, being 'sickly' is due to stress, I've experienced this as well. Try and stay positive Benny Boy, we all care about you very much 🤗
This holiday season has been stressful on anyone (as most have been). Surprising 2020's Christmas season wasn't too stressful, I'm guessing because of the 'great shut-in'.
Happy new year ben .love ya ! Hugs 🫂 glad you and your mom are there for your dad . Some incontinence brands ( adult diapers ) you may want to check out are .Northshore mega max ,trest, in control and rearz .these brands are great they hold alot and are good for 8 to 12 hours of wearing and wetting which would probably help out you and your mom alot . We are all here for you buddy .take care .❤
Happy new year Ben! I realise the video wasn't the easiest to make so respect to you for doing so. Hoping that your father has more better days for you and your family. We're not going anywhere and still be here for you.
Happy New Year, Ben! As someone who watched their father battle health issues for years before going into a nursing home due to needing more involved care, please take care of yourself. Caregiver burnout is a real thing, and it is bad. both my mom and myself have gone through it. My dad passed away from Afib in August 2024, it was sudden, but after the last two years of watching him decline (I feel like he was in some state of early dementia due to so many UTIs), it was actually a blessing. He was bed ridden and having more off days than good in the last two months prior to his passing. I found the good moments to be the best times. When your dad has these moments, treasure them. But again, above all, please take care of yourself and your health, you are no good to those you care for if you’re not ok.
Hi, Ben. Wishing you & your family peace and comfort throughout this hard time. I was a caregiver for my adoptive mother who likely had the beginnings of Alzheimer's in her last year or so and I lost my cousin Sandy, the person closest to me in the World to it. She was living in another state when she became stricken over 4 years ago so I didn't personally see or hear the worst of it, but I miss her terribly every single day. I say all this to let you know you not only that you have my deepest sympathy & understanding, but also to let you know that Oddity Archive was one of the things that helped me a great deal through losing Sandy. I have always appreciated your subject matter and your humor, presentation, presence and music are always a true joy. Although I'm saddned that we share some trauma and tragedy in common, I hope hearing that your work is an ongoing bright spot for so many of us on TH-cam helps you get through some of the rougher moments. You are a genuinely good Soul & that truly shones through. God Bless you & your family, Ben, and everyone reading this. May 2025 find us all blessed with the ongoing gift of understanding, kindness & compassion for each other and may light, Love & laughter be there in abundance. Thank you for being you & generous enough to share the gift of yourself with all of us, 143 ❤️♾️
My father's been in and out of the hospital all year because he keeps falling. It's incredibly demoralizing to see you father in any weakened state, so I completely understand.
My father, his brother, and my cousin all had Dementia, so i understand what you're going through with your dad, Ben. Do what you need to do to get better. If you feel you need to take a break from recording and uploading episodes of the Archive, or Ben's Junk, then do so. You owe nothing to us. I'm sending you and your family best wishes from Manitoba, Canada. Get well soon, Ben. Take care.
Happy new year, Ben, as others have mentioned in the comments you are (sadly) not alone. My grandfather also dealt with this awful disease and watching his slow decline was heartbreaking. We're all rooting for you and your family, and wishing you better health this year
I understand what you're going through Ben, My Nana (my Mom's Mom) had Alzheimers through 2020 and 2021, before sadly passing in December 2021, so I'm sorry that you guys are going through this going into this new year. Just wishing y'all all the best.
Benny-boy, I loves me some new Archive episodes, but they can wait. This is far more important. I know I've told you about my uncle who had dementia for 15 years until he died when he tripped going downstairs and hit his head on the wall. It's a struggle, and I know you'll make it through. Prayers!
Ben, I am so thankful for all the time and effort you put into Archive! You've certainly helped me get through some rough times, and know that now we are here for you to support you in this situation. I echo what many others have said in that we completely understand if you need to take time away; there are so many great videos that we can re-watch to fill the gap if need be! I'll be praying for you and your mom as you two take care of your father, as well as for his comfort. Continue to cherish the good days with him, and of course make sure to take care of yourself as well.
Hey bro, and by no means a doctor, but I will be in a few years what you’re going through with this bronchitis situation kind of seems like onset COPD due to stress and anxiety, believe it or not that can actually happen. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Ashwaghanda root, but look into it it can work wonders on helping you stay calm and relaxed. You’re a good man, Benny boy, by being a selfless family member and not to mention providing all of us many many hours of entertainment. for that, you should definitely be proud of yourself.
Thanks for the update. There's a big back catalogue for us to enjoy, so you shouldn't stress out trying to stick to a "normal" schedule just for us. Best to you and yours.
We all love you Ben. If you need any help I have a friend in IA who is a nurse that works at a nursing home where she helps with people with dementia/Alzheimer's (almost exclusively) who might be able to help you with any questions or advice if you need them.
Been there, have gone through it with a couple members of my family. I went through the same cycle of stress + reoccurring sickness as well. Hang in there. Send for Seech
I went through the same thing with my grandmother (my dad’s mom), who was in the latter stages of dementia or AD herself. My dad took her in to our house to live with us for six and a half years before she passed away five and half years ago.
Take a break from doing Archive, if needed!!! We will miss you, but your mental health is more important than us. And if you need anything, let us know! I don't know if you're religious, but saying a prayer for your family.
Thanks for the update. I can't imagine these are very easy to do. I wish I had something better to say, but just that I hope you and your family manage to have a better year. You're a good guy, Ben.
Prays to you and your family Ben. I know it can be rough doing the caregiver role. As for the respetory colds and that, the cold weather can make it worse. I got lots of cold that go into bronchitis, as a kid and in 2022 got the dreaded C19 or a touch of it with a cold, cough lasted from March to May causing bronchitis. The 4th boster, shot did finally get rid of it in 2 days. Take care of yourself, I still remember when my Grandma dementia got worse in late 99, by March 2000 she was gone.
Ben, take care of your father. We understand and are sending our thoughts and prayers your way. We'll be here when you can give the Oddity Archive your full attention.
Ben take care of yourself and your folks! I love you man! Your music keeps me going and I’ll look forward for your next videos! Family comes first! Godspeed Ben!
Dealing with aging family members is a situation a lot of us can relate to all too well. I don’t like knowing you’re going through stuff, but it is good to know it’s not just me. Vent all you want, and on your own schedule. Or don’t. You owe us nothing.
Ben , I know first hand how excessive stress and anxiety can affect personal health. Please take care of yourself and try not to let this stressful situation lower your resistance. We’re in the season where getting sick with something is at a high so it’s easier to catch something unpleasant when resistance gets low. I am not a doctor, just sharing my opinion from my own stressful times where I got sick easily. As a viewer I still look forward to new OA content but I would rather see you take care of yourself above that. Hopefully your father has more good days than the other. I had two grandmothers who had variations of dementia so it does get stressful for sure having to watch that take place .
Happy new year Mr. Ben! It is great to hear/"see" you and as others have stated it is very healthy to talk about this stuff and I am glad that you feel comfortable to. Stress does screw up your immune system, which is probably why you have been getting sick more; our immune systems (and brains for that matter) are so strange in the ways they work. I can't say I can truly understand your situation (only about as much as I can understand from an outsider's perspective) but I can understand what you are saying and wish you and the rest of your family well and health in this journey. I think I can speak for the whole community when I say that we will still be here whenever you can/would like to be.
Please take care of not only your family, but yourself. Self care is also very important for both physical and mental healing. Sending positive vibes out to the universe for you!
Hey, Ben… I know you’re going through difficult stuff with your Dad, and I know it’s a challenging but know that you will get through this. In the meantime, focus on doing things with and for your Dad while you can so when the day comes you will be able to remember the good things. I say this as someone who lost his Dad suddenly (when I was pretty young) which is a whole different situation; I have had friends in your place with their parents though and am extremely sympathetic. Know we appreciate what you do with the archive, but you also need to really look after not only your Dad (and Mom) but yourself. Do what you need to do to ensure you’ll have the most peace going forward. Hang in there, we’re all thinking of you!
Your cycles sound like me when long covid started to affect me (it can months after asymptomatic infection). It's immune dysfunction, but high cortisol from stress doesn't help at all with infections - affects mood, cognition, energy.
My heart goes out to you and your family. And so do prayers. I am glad you are there for your mom. And as i have mentioned before, take care of your family first. They are more important that OA. That can wait if need be. Take care and hope your sickness goes away soon
Thank you for sharing what’s happening in your life. Also crappy to hear about the lack of benefits. That’s got to be frustrating. Also take care of yourself. I know it’s a balancing act but sounds like you’re doing your best. Take care Ben
Sorry to hear about your father. Dementia is no joke. My grandfather had it and it was so sad at the end of his life he didn't even remember me anymore. Also I wondered for years does this guy have a mustache?! And is he wearing a hat or does he really have an afro!
Happy Oddity Thursday! Alzheimers are no joke, I didn't know that there were 7 stages, I thought they were 5. It's also known as type 3 diabetes. Spend as much time with him while you can. ❤
Hey Ben. I have a best friend here that went through a lot of what you are going through now with his father. I'll say the same thing I told him, please try to ensure you do some self care too.
Alzheimer's is a rotten condition to have, not just because of impact it has on the sufferer but also on those around them. Please look after yourself, Ben, Even if self-care means needing to put OA on hiatus, we'll still be here when you get back.
There's a hundred things I want to say but don't know how to say them, so I'll be quiet. But you have our care regardless of what you have to do. I will say that there will be a point where things will start recovering, although right now it seems like a neverending nightmare. I say this out of personal experience. If this doesn't sound inappropriate to say, you might want to look at Trauma C-PTSD recovery later on in life, even though the thought might seem silly right now. Concerning the Ben's Junk, I said it in an earlier comment, but I would subscribe to an entire channel of Ben's Junk, especially the Thrifting segments. Frankly the latter has an almost ASMR quality to them and I often find myself having dinner or snacks while waching them. TMI, I know.
My wife and I send big hugs. Tell your logical brain it does not get to participate when with dad. Try opening Amazon music, pick mellow 70's and leave it playing with him all day. Lots of Disney movies on repeat. We love ya Ben!
Well I can totally understand what you're dealing with I was a caregiver along with my father for my grandmother who had dementia which of course we know is basically the start of Alzheimer's she had I can say more good days than bad and luckily she was very mobile I'll tell you this much you could not tear her from her kitchen. as far as some mental moments yes she had those I had a shirt that had wimpy from Popeye on it and it said slacker she actually bought me the shirt some years prior it was a t-shirt of course... Will one day I go to look for the damn thing to put it on will hear I found it in a cabinet that we used to put rags in and here it was shredded via rags. My mother and father were living apart for that time as my father and I ended up at my grandmother's house and my mother had left this was post foreclosure Long story but the bottom line is we ended up moving into my grandmother's house but then of course it became apparent that yeah she definitely needs the help she acknowledged we didn't have to really say very much see basically acknowledged it was mutual The bottom line is with this T-shirt shredding incident when she was asked about it via my dad up and asked her she then comes up with this wild theory that my mother came in and cut up the shirt. lol... periodically she would go somewhere with my asshole uncles and periodically she would leave the scarf bonnet thing and her gloves in one of their cars and then of course inevitably my father would come in to see my mother and I was there by myself so then she's wanting to make accusations that I stole her gloves and her scarf inevitably I would end up calling my father and be like well you know that's happening again and he said Well she probably left it at uncle's you know blah blah says Will you call this bastards I'm not talking to them so at any rate he would call them and then he would call her and tell her to knock it off it's over it's so and so's sometimes he would even get them to call her and tell her. but basically what I would do is I would just go in my room and set there with the door closed and locked she would be in the corridor and she would be yelling liar and a thief. lol... trust me I used to read forums all the time I'll tell you what forums can be your best friend it can put your mind at ease if you're dealing with an incident if you've just dealt with an incident and you need to somewhat talk to somebody else about it read forums just look up everything you can listen to people go off and don't take whatever they may say totally in a bad light some people have a bit of a reaction to it which is understandable and sometimes when they write about it they may not choose the nicest of ways to talk about it but keep in mind they're only frustrated and keep in mind that the forum is an outlet for them and keep in mind that they themselves really do not want to take it out on the person because they understand that it's just simply a medical condition but they also need to for themselves vent their frustrations you might benefit from the same I would tell you to get yourself and assumed name and go into those forums with that do not expose who you really are because you will catch all kinds of fucking hell because a lot of people do not understand where you would be coming from on the anger frustration confusion topic until they experience it for themselves. but I can certainly say the best therapy was to go read what everybody else is saying about these behaviors to go read about especially when outer relatives that never come around decide to finally get involved or they at least show up and want to shit on you that can also be a good place for those types of frustrations so you will come across those who have some family problems because of what's happening you'll find a lot of relatable stories and I found through that time which was pretty much 10 years but definitely within the past five or six when I really started to look into the forums that actually those did wonders for me now you're a different person and I understand that but I'm saying that you might give it a chance because if you can read some of what everybody else is saying I think you're going to find some like-minded people I think you're going to find some very understanding people Well at the same time yes they will air their grievances and you yourself may air yours but there again do it under an assumed name do not use your real name.
I wish you a Happy New Year I understand as I previously said that you know you're definitely going through some stuff and I do understand where you're coming from because I did experience it myself I have recommended that you would go to forums I don't care if it's Reddit and see what everybody else is saying You're going to find a lot of relatable material that I think will help you cope and give you a sigh of relief that everything you're feeling is normal every frustration that you have is normal... and basically this comment I just want to reassure you of that so if you feel a little angry if you feel upset at all if you feel frustrated pissed off with the world pissed off that you know you've been dealt a raw deal that that person themselves have been dealt a raw deal you're not wrong You're very correct and there are plenty of us who understand it and this sucks and it will suck okay it's going to suck I think you've already figured that out but keep in mind that it will get better The end result will definitely leave you grieving but with time you will heal and how you can sort of offset some of the future grief is and you may have already done it grieve now grieve now and all you could do is let that person know that you love them and that you care about them especially on their good days give them as many hugs as you possibly can because I understand you're sad and you're angry and you're upset it feels like getting ripped off and cheated I understand it I must admit it makes me break down a bit to think about it but I just want to let you know that there are those of us out here that do understand where you're coming from and what you're dealing with because we have dealt with it ourselves it is very sad and in many ways it can be extremely traumatizing to see the demise of a loved one. but just remember this time we'll pass and remember that you will ultimately have a sense of accomplishment that you were there focus on the good memories Yes they may make you cry but that's normal it's only human and never turn that away if you have a good set of friends I mean friends that really understand friends that are close take a day off take a day off I know that you know there's work schedules there's other things that happen but sometimes you're going to have to just take a day off You're going to have to tell your mom or whoever else is involved hey I need Friday off in fact I need Friday and Saturday off I want to go with my friends I need a break and I think that you need a break too so how about either you take your break before me or you take a break next week you know try to trade off on some breaks try to go out and have as much normal fun as you possibly can't even if it's just you know having some drinks with some buddies you know get drunk get it out of your system maybe go I mean it's winter time but go do something don't sit around there staring at the same four walls bouncing around the same thoughts all the time. it is true that before you really really start having fun with your friends when you go out at first you're going to feel a little guilty You're going to feel like perhaps you're not doing your duty that day That's normal ignore it ignore it and go have fun until the fun with the friends really start yeah you're going to have a bit of a gut-wrenching feeling but let the fun happen and maybe before you schedule that day or two days with your friends perhaps you can tell them that that's what you need in that context and that way they can better help guide the fun so that it gets started as quickly as possible. The whole point of that is simply to avoid further depression if you can avoid further depression by having fun with friends etc and then there might even be a day that you'll take to just go out by yourself if you can do that it'll help you get through it it's a pain in the ass man it's a heart wrenching mind fuck it really does mess with the head and the heart A lot of us have been there and the reason I recommend that you have so much fun with your friends as much as possible is simply because I didn't I did but I didn't I wished I would have done it a bit more that it would have been beneficial. but there is going to be a certain amount of limit on you know taking a break and having days off because you don't want to become a strange and you certainly don't want to invoke the thought of the feeling that you're sticking the other person with all of the duties so like I said make it equal if you take 2 days off they need two days off if you take a day off they need a day off and let them pick the day off I mean I guess you and your mom will have to sit down and hammer out your schedules and figure out who needs what and when but that would be beneficial to the both of you to be honest here's another thing see if you can't get her into reading the forums as well and like I said yeah you're going to see some stuff in there where people go the hell off but you can most likely relate to their rage you have to understand that a lot of their rage is simply they feel ripped off that they're getting cheated out of time with that person and frankly everybody is scared as to what's going to happen people don't like change and there's nothing wrong with that somebody who's been there all your life it is difficult to think about what it's going to be like without them or what it's like that they have now changed so I'm saying try to get his mentally prepared as you possibly can but at the same time don't necessarily gloat about it Don't sit around with it all the time get up get out do something The simple truth that you've already disclosed is that it has affected your work that was at one time also basically your hobby so if you have to put this channel on a bit of a hold do it your health is more important than the channels health family comes first! us channel followers will understand that and for those that don't well they can go yippee skippy straight to hell! I understand you need work I understand there's a money factor to everything and that alone fucking sucks that alone is a lot of pressure but at the same time I mean just scoot by and do the bare minimum that you can stand to do and if you feel like you're neglecting the channel face it owns it you are neglecting the channel but you're doing so for the future benefit of not only yourself but the channel Don't become a slave to the channel you own the channel The channel will be here when you get back we will be here when you get back you take time for what you need and if you need to kick around for a year and do absolutely nothing then do that Don't feel bad everybody needs time and everybody mourns in their own way everybody deals with these sort of things in their own way All we can do is offer you suggestions which I understand that that may present a certain amount of pressure and I am sorry for that but my overall message is find a couple of outlets let your friends help you bear some of this load it's a very least allow them to help provide some fun getaways where you can get back in to being yourself and get away from it for a while it's not being bad it's not being neglectful it is simply taking time for yourself you can't help them if you can't help yourself just think about that you can't go forth with the channel if you're not going to be in good health so you need to take the time now to secure that healthy future Don't pressure yourself!!!! I and other loyal followers I know sends you lots of love and support you take care man!!!
A breakdown of the seven stages (also applies to non-Alzheimer's dementia): www.alzinfo.org/understand-alzheimers/clinical-stages-of-alzheimers/
seek another doctor for a second opinion request and x-ray and get checked for pneumonia.
Oh man hope your father get's better soon and hope your 2025 get's better
Thanks for sharing the update Ben, it's important to talk it out. Yep, being 'sickly' is due to stress, I've experienced this as well. Try and stay positive Benny Boy, we all care about you very much 🤗
This holiday season has been stressful on anyone (as most have been). Surprising 2020's Christmas season wasn't too stressful, I'm guessing because of the 'great shut-in'.
You're a great son Ben, I hope you and your Mom have a better 2025.
Happy new year, Ben! Wishing the best for you and your family throughout all of this. We’ll all be here for you.
Hi!
@@TweeterMan287 Happy New year, TweeterMan287!
Happy New Year, Lcd101.
Happy new year ben .love ya ! Hugs 🫂 glad you and your mom are there for your dad . Some incontinence brands ( adult diapers ) you may want to check out are .Northshore mega max ,trest, in control and rearz .these brands are great they hold alot and are good for 8 to 12 hours of wearing and wetting which would probably help out you and your mom alot . We are all here for you buddy .take care .❤
@@TweeterMan287 Hi Ian! So Glad you follow Oddity Archive!
Happy new year Ben!
I realise the video wasn't the easiest to make so respect to you for doing so. Hoping that your father has more better days for you and your family. We're not going anywhere and still be here for you.
Hey Ben, that's rough stuff w/ your dad. I'm very sorry to hear that. I love your content. Sending good vibes yalls way & have a happy new year Sir.
Happy New Year, Ben! As someone who watched their father battle health issues for years before going into a nursing home due to needing more involved care, please take care of yourself. Caregiver burnout is a real thing, and it is bad. both my mom and myself have gone through it. My dad passed away from Afib in August 2024, it was sudden, but after the last two years of watching him decline (I feel like he was in some state of early dementia due to so many UTIs), it was actually a blessing. He was bed ridden and having more off days than good in the last two months prior to his passing. I found the good moments to be the best times. When your dad has these moments, treasure them. But again, above all, please take care of yourself and your health, you are no good to those you care for if you’re not ok.
Hi, Ben. Wishing you & your family peace and comfort throughout this hard time.
I was a caregiver for my adoptive mother who likely had the beginnings of Alzheimer's in her last year or so and I lost my cousin Sandy, the person closest to me in the World to it. She was living in another state when she became stricken over 4 years ago so I didn't personally see or hear the worst of it, but I miss her terribly every single day.
I say all this to let you know you not only that you have my deepest sympathy & understanding, but also to let you know that Oddity Archive was one of the things that helped me a great deal through losing Sandy. I have always appreciated your subject matter and your humor, presentation, presence and music are always a true joy. Although I'm saddned that we share some trauma and tragedy in common, I hope hearing that your work is an ongoing bright spot for so many of us on TH-cam helps you get through some of the rougher moments.
You are a genuinely good Soul & that truly shones through.
God Bless you & your family, Ben, and everyone reading this. May 2025 find us all blessed with the ongoing gift of understanding, kindness & compassion for each other and may light, Love & laughter be there in abundance.
Thank you for being you & generous enough to share the gift of yourself with all of us, 143 ❤️♾️
My father's been in and out of the hospital all year because he keeps falling. It's incredibly demoralizing to see you father in any weakened state, so I completely understand.
I do too, mightyfilm. I've been through it, too myself.
My father, his brother, and my cousin all had Dementia, so i understand what you're going through with your dad, Ben. Do what you need to do to get better. If you feel you need to take a break from recording and uploading episodes of the Archive, or Ben's Junk, then do so. You owe nothing to us.
I'm sending you and your family best wishes from Manitoba, Canada.
Get well soon, Ben. Take care.
I forgot to say, Happy New Year, Ben and also a Happy New Year to the Oddity Archive Family.
My Mom died of dementia. I feel your pain and struggles. Take care of yourself first, apart from your father. My thoughts are with you.
Very sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my aunt to dementia in 2021. It was hell on my uncle and cousin. Whatever respite care you can get, take it.
Happy new year, Ben, as others have mentioned in the comments you are (sadly) not alone. My grandfather also dealt with this awful disease and watching his slow decline was heartbreaking. We're all rooting for you and your family, and wishing you better health this year
I understand what you're going through Ben, My Nana (my Mom's Mom) had Alzheimers through 2020 and 2021, before sadly passing in December 2021, so I'm sorry that you guys are going through this going into this new year. Just wishing y'all all the best.
Benny-boy, I loves me some new Archive episodes, but they can wait. This is far more important. I know I've told you about my uncle who had dementia for 15 years until he died when he tripped going downstairs and hit his head on the wall. It's a struggle, and I know you'll make it through. Prayers!
You have my condolences for your father, Benny. May God be with you. 🙏
My condolences.
Ben, I am so thankful for all the time and effort you put into Archive! You've certainly helped me get through some rough times, and know that now we are here for you to support you in this situation. I echo what many others have said in that we completely understand if you need to take time away; there are so many great videos that we can re-watch to fill the gap if need be! I'll be praying for you and your mom as you two take care of your father, as well as for his comfort. Continue to cherish the good days with him, and of course make sure to take care of yourself as well.
Hey bro, and by no means a doctor, but I will be in a few years what you’re going through with this bronchitis situation kind of seems like onset COPD due to stress and anxiety, believe it or not that can actually happen. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Ashwaghanda root, but look into it it can work wonders on helping you stay calm and relaxed. You’re a good man, Benny boy, by being a selfless family member and not to mention providing all of us many many hours of entertainment. for that, you should definitely be proud of yourself.
Thanks for the update. There's a big back catalogue for us to enjoy, so you shouldn't stress out trying to stick to a "normal" schedule just for us. Best to you and yours.
We all love you Ben. If you need any help I have a friend in IA who is a nurse that works at a nursing home where she helps with people with dementia/Alzheimer's (almost exclusively) who might be able to help you with any questions or advice if you need them.
Been there, have gone through it with a couple members of my family. I went through the same cycle of stress + reoccurring sickness as well. Hang in there. Send for Seech
I went through the same thing with my grandmother (my dad’s mom), who was in the latter stages of dementia or AD herself. My dad took her in to our house to live with us for six and a half years before she passed away five and half years ago.
Wishing you the best, Benny Boy!
Take a break from doing Archive, if needed!!! We will miss you, but your mental health is more important than us. And if you need anything, let us know! I don't know if you're religious, but saying a prayer for your family.
Thanks for the update. I can't imagine these are very easy to do. I wish I had something better to say, but just that I hope you and your family manage to have a better year. You're a good guy, Ben.
Take as much time as you can Ben, your viewers will always be here for your content, even if it takes a long time 🤗
Prays to you and your family Ben. I know it can be rough doing the caregiver role. As for the respetory colds and that, the cold weather can make it worse. I got lots of cold that go into bronchitis, as a kid and in 2022 got the dreaded C19 or a touch of it with a cold, cough lasted from March to May causing bronchitis. The 4th boster, shot did finally get rid of it in 2 days. Take care of yourself, I still remember when my Grandma dementia got worse in late 99, by March 2000 she was gone.
Wishing you the best for your physical and mental health my friend
Happy New Year, Ben and I'm very sorry about what you are going through during those stressful and tough times.
I’m sorry to hear of your troubles, Ben. I love the channel and enjoy rewatching. Please take care of yourself.
Ben, take care of your father. We understand and are sending our thoughts and prayers your way. We'll be here when you can give the Oddity Archive your full attention.
Ben take care of yourself and your folks! I love you man!
Your music keeps me going and I’ll look forward for your next videos! Family comes first!
Godspeed Ben!
Dealing with aging family members is a situation a lot of us can relate to all too well. I don’t like knowing you’re going through stuff, but it is good to know it’s not just me. Vent all you want, and on your own schedule. Or don’t. You owe us nothing.
Ben , I know first hand how excessive stress and anxiety can affect personal health. Please take care of yourself and try not to let this stressful situation lower your resistance. We’re in the season where getting sick with something is at a high so it’s easier to catch something unpleasant when resistance gets low. I am not a doctor, just sharing my opinion from my own stressful times where I got sick easily. As a viewer I still look forward to new OA content but I would rather see you take care of yourself above that. Hopefully your father has more good days than the other. I had two grandmothers who had variations of dementia so it does get stressful for sure having to watch that take place .
Ben, if it's any consolation, I wish I were half as good a caregiver as you. Yes, compassion fatigue is real.
Happy new year Mr. Ben! It is great to hear/"see" you and as others have stated it is very healthy to talk about this stuff and I am glad that you feel comfortable to. Stress does screw up your immune system, which is probably why you have been getting sick more; our immune systems (and brains for that matter) are so strange in the ways they work.
I can't say I can truly understand your situation (only about as much as I can understand from an outsider's perspective) but I can understand what you are saying and wish you and the rest of your family well and health in this journey. I think I can speak for the whole community when I say that we will still be here whenever you can/would like to be.
Wishing you the best, and sending you lots of good thoughts.
Been there too (twice...). Wishing the best for you and your family.
Good Luck, Ben. I hope you feel better and hope you have more good days with your father in the new year.
Thanks Ben
Please take care of not only your family, but yourself. Self care is also very important for both physical and mental healing. Sending positive vibes out to the universe for you!
I hope things will be good for you and your family Ben. Do what you need to do and I hope your 2025 will be a good year overall. Take care!
We’ll be here for you. I’m sorry there isn’t much else I can say. Take care of yourself and keep fighting the good fight.
happy new year ben great to see the box
Life is such horror.
Hang in there. Love what you do.
Hey, Ben…
I know you’re going through difficult stuff with your Dad, and I know it’s a challenging but know that you will get through this. In the meantime, focus on doing things with and for your Dad while you can so when the day comes you will be able to remember the good things. I say this as someone who lost his Dad suddenly (when I was pretty young) which is a whole different situation; I have had friends in your place with their parents though and am extremely sympathetic.
Know we appreciate what you do with the archive, but you also need to really look after not only your Dad (and Mom) but yourself. Do what you need to do to ensure you’ll have the most peace going forward.
Hang in there, we’re all thinking of you!
Your cycles sound like me when long covid started to affect me (it can months after asymptomatic infection). It's immune dysfunction, but high cortisol from stress doesn't help at all with infections - affects mood, cognition, energy.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
And so do prayers.
I am glad you are there for your mom.
And as i have mentioned before, take care of your family first. They are more important that OA. That can wait if need be.
Take care and hope your sickness goes away soon
Happy new year Ben best wishes to you and you’re family
Try cutting out food dyes. I know it sounds crazy, but that might help with the mood swings
Thank you for sharing what’s happening in your life. Also crappy to hear about the lack of benefits. That’s got to be frustrating. Also take care of yourself. I know it’s a balancing act but sounds like you’re doing your best. Take care Ben
HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎆🎈🎊 I AM PRAYING 🙏 FOR YOU AND YOUR DAD /MOM
Love u Benny boy
Happy New Year Ben! Sorry about this.
Wishing peace to you and your family. I hope 2025 brings strength and courage to you.
Sorry to hear about your father. Dementia is no joke. My grandfather had it and it was so sad at the end of his life he didn't even remember me anymore. Also I wondered for years does this guy have a mustache?! And is he wearing a hat or does he really have an afro!
Well, I'm spiritual. God bless.
Best wishes to yourself and your family. ❤
Happy Oddity Thursday! Alzheimers are no joke, I didn't know that there were 7 stages, I thought they were 5. It's also known as type 3 diabetes. Spend as much time with him while you can. ❤
My family and I are going through the same process with my mother in law. She has good days and bad days.
You're a good man Benny boy.
Hey Ben. I have a best friend here that went through a lot of what you are going through now with his father.
I'll say the same thing I told him, please try to ensure you do some self care too.
Ben you are such a trooper. Do you have go fund me?
Alzheimer's is a rotten condition to have, not just because of impact it has on the sufferer but also on those around them. Please look after yourself, Ben, Even if self-care means needing to put OA on hiatus, we'll still be here when you get back.
Send good vibes 🤗
There's a hundred things I want to say but don't know how to say them, so I'll be quiet. But you have our care regardless of what you have to do. I will say that there will be a point where things will start recovering, although right now it seems like a neverending nightmare. I say this out of personal experience. If this doesn't sound inappropriate to say, you might want to look at Trauma C-PTSD recovery later on in life, even though the thought might seem silly right now. Concerning the Ben's Junk, I said it in an earlier comment, but I would subscribe to an entire channel of Ben's Junk, especially the Thrifting segments. Frankly the latter has an almost ASMR quality to them and I often find myself having dinner or snacks while waching them. TMI, I know.
My wife and I send big hugs. Tell your logical brain it does not get to participate when with dad. Try opening Amazon music, pick mellow 70's and leave it playing with him all day. Lots of Disney movies on repeat. We love ya Ben!
Are they able to go in nursing home if it's affecting your health?
Can't afford it. Got shot down for assistance all around.
@@OddityArchive My goodness. How Far along in your Father in CTE?
My Grandmother lived to be 79, and was maybe a year before she was reaching Stage 4.
gotta secure your own oxygen mask before you can help others put theirs on - take care of yourself and happy new year!
Well I can totally understand what you're dealing with I was a caregiver along with my father for my grandmother who had dementia which of course we know is basically the start of Alzheimer's she had I can say more good days than bad and luckily she was very mobile I'll tell you this much you could not tear her from her kitchen.
as far as some mental moments yes she had those I had a shirt that had wimpy from Popeye on it and it said slacker she actually bought me the shirt some years prior it was a t-shirt of course...
Will one day I go to look for the damn thing to put it on will hear I found it in a cabinet that we used to put rags in and here it was shredded via rags.
My mother and father were living apart for that time as my father and I ended up at my grandmother's house and my mother had left this was post foreclosure Long story but the bottom line is we ended up moving into my grandmother's house but then of course it became apparent that yeah she definitely needs the help she acknowledged we didn't have to really say very much see basically acknowledged it was mutual The bottom line is with this T-shirt shredding incident when she was asked about it via my dad up and asked her she then comes up with this wild theory that my mother came in and cut up the shirt. lol...
periodically she would go somewhere with my asshole uncles and periodically she would leave the scarf bonnet thing and her gloves in one of their cars and then of course inevitably my father would come in to see my mother and I was there by myself so then she's wanting to make accusations that I stole her gloves and her scarf inevitably I would end up calling my father and be like well you know that's happening again and he said Well she probably left it at uncle's you know blah blah says Will you call this bastards I'm not talking to them so at any rate he would call them and then he would call her and tell her to knock it off it's over it's so and so's sometimes he would even get them to call her and tell her.
but basically what I would do is I would just go in my room and set there with the door closed and locked she would be in the corridor and she would be yelling liar and a thief. lol...
trust me I used to read forums all the time I'll tell you what forums can be your best friend it can put your mind at ease if you're dealing with an incident if you've just dealt with an incident and you need to somewhat talk to somebody else about it read forums just look up everything you can listen to people go off and don't take whatever they may say totally in a bad light some people have a bit of a reaction to it which is understandable and sometimes when they write about it they may not choose the nicest of ways to talk about it but keep in mind they're only frustrated and keep in mind that the forum is an outlet for them and keep in mind that they themselves really do not want to take it out on the person because they understand that it's just simply a medical condition but they also need to for themselves vent their frustrations you might benefit from the same I would tell you to get yourself and assumed name and go into those forums with that do not expose who you really are because you will catch all kinds of fucking hell because a lot of people do not understand where you would be coming from on the anger frustration confusion topic until they experience it for themselves.
but I can certainly say the best therapy was to go read what everybody else is saying about these behaviors to go read about especially when outer relatives that never come around decide to finally get involved or they at least show up and want to shit on you that can also be a good place for those types of frustrations so you will come across those who have some family problems because of what's happening you'll find a lot of relatable stories and I found through that time which was pretty much 10 years but definitely within the past five or six when I really started to look into the forums that actually those did wonders for me now you're a different person and I understand that but I'm saying that you might give it a chance because if you can read some of what everybody else is saying I think you're going to find some like-minded people I think you're going to find some very understanding people Well at the same time yes they will air their grievances and you yourself may air yours but there again do it under an assumed name do not use your real name.
Well,can you do a record ripoffs on grey market and bootleg vinyls?
Would LOVE to hear about bootleg concert albums or similar albums.
@destructionfun2 and vinyl records from companies like Dol,wax time ,jazz images,not now music,etc.
This probably isn't the time or the place to make requests
I wish you a Happy New Year I understand as I previously said that you know you're definitely going through some stuff and I do understand where you're coming from because I did experience it myself I have recommended that you would go to forums I don't care if it's Reddit and see what everybody else is saying You're going to find a lot of relatable material that I think will help you cope and give you a sigh of relief that everything you're feeling is normal every frustration that you have is normal...
and basically this comment I just want to reassure you of that so if you feel a little angry if you feel upset at all if you feel frustrated pissed off with the world pissed off that you know you've been dealt a raw deal that that person themselves have been dealt a raw deal you're not wrong You're very correct and there are plenty of us who understand it and this sucks and it will suck okay it's going to suck I think you've already figured that out but keep in mind that it will get better The end result will definitely leave you grieving but with time you will heal and how you can sort of offset some of the future grief is and you may have already done it grieve now grieve now and all you could do is let that person know that you love them and that you care about them especially on their good days give them as many hugs as you possibly can because I understand you're sad and you're angry and you're upset it feels like getting ripped off and cheated I understand it I must admit it makes me break down a bit to think about it but I just want to let you know that there are those of us out here that do understand where you're coming from and what you're dealing with because we have dealt with it ourselves it is very sad and in many ways it can be extremely traumatizing to see the demise of a loved one.
but just remember this time we'll pass and remember that you will ultimately have a sense of accomplishment that you were there focus on the good memories Yes they may make you cry but that's normal it's only human and never turn that away if you have a good set of friends I mean friends that really understand friends that are close take a day off take a day off I know that you know there's work schedules there's other things that happen but sometimes you're going to have to just take a day off You're going to have to tell your mom or whoever else is involved hey I need Friday off in fact I need Friday and Saturday off I want to go with my friends I need a break and I think that you need a break too so how about either you take your break before me or you take a break next week you know try to trade off on some breaks try to go out and have as much normal fun as you possibly can't even if it's just you know having some drinks with some buddies you know get drunk get it out of your system maybe go I mean it's winter time but go do something don't sit around there staring at the same four walls bouncing around the same thoughts all the time.
it is true that before you really really start having fun with your friends when you go out at first you're going to feel a little guilty You're going to feel like perhaps you're not doing your duty that day That's normal ignore it ignore it and go have fun until the fun with the friends really start yeah you're going to have a bit of a gut-wrenching feeling but let the fun happen and maybe before you schedule that day or two days with your friends perhaps you can tell them that that's what you need in that context and that way they can better help guide the fun so that it gets started as quickly as possible.
The whole point of that is simply to avoid further depression if you can avoid further depression by having fun with friends etc and then there might even be a day that you'll take to just go out by yourself if you can do that it'll help you get through it it's a pain in the ass man it's a heart wrenching mind fuck it really does mess with the head and the heart A lot of us have been there and the reason I recommend that you have so much fun with your friends as much as possible is simply because I didn't I did but I didn't I wished I would have done it a bit more that it would have been beneficial.
but there is going to be a certain amount of limit on you know taking a break and having days off because you don't want to become a strange and you certainly don't want to invoke the thought of the feeling that you're sticking the other person with all of the duties so like I said make it equal if you take 2 days off they need two days off if you take a day off they need a day off and let them pick the day off I mean I guess you and your mom will have to sit down and hammer out your schedules and figure out who needs what and when but that would be beneficial to the both of you to be honest here's another thing see if you can't get her into reading the forums as well and like I said yeah you're going to see some stuff in there where people go the hell off but you can most likely relate to their rage you have to understand that a lot of their rage is simply they feel ripped off that they're getting cheated out of time with that person and frankly everybody is scared as to what's going to happen people don't like change and there's nothing wrong with that somebody who's been there all your life it is difficult to think about what it's going to be like without them or what it's like that they have now changed so I'm saying try to get his mentally prepared as you possibly can but at the same time don't necessarily gloat about it Don't sit around with it all the time get up get out do something The simple truth that you've already disclosed is that it has affected your work that was at one time also basically your hobby so if you have to put this channel on a bit of a hold do it your health is more important than the channels health family comes first!
us channel followers will understand that and for those that don't well they can go yippee skippy straight to hell!
I understand you need work I understand there's a money factor to everything and that alone fucking sucks that alone is a lot of pressure but at the same time I mean just scoot by and do the bare minimum that you can stand to do and if you feel like you're neglecting the channel face it owns it you are neglecting the channel but you're doing so for the future benefit of not only yourself but the channel Don't become a slave to the channel you own the channel The channel will be here when you get back we will be here when you get back you take time for what you need and if you need to kick around for a year and do absolutely nothing then do that Don't feel bad everybody needs time and everybody mourns in their own way everybody deals with these sort of things in their own way All we can do is offer you suggestions which I understand that that may present a certain amount of pressure and I am sorry for that but my overall message is find a couple of outlets let your friends help you bear some of this load it's a very least allow them to help provide some fun getaways where you can get back in to being yourself and get away from it for a while it's not being bad it's not being neglectful it is simply taking time for yourself you can't help them if you can't help yourself just think about that you can't go forth with the channel if you're not going to be in good health so you need to take the time now to secure that healthy future Don't pressure yourself!!!!
I and other loyal followers I know sends you lots of love and support you take care man!!!