Hi Strokewife... you need to be a writer. Beautifully written. I can relate to what you are going through. I am not only a stroke survivor (12 and still counting), but a caregiver to my honey of almost 30 years. He had his strokes, in 2005, in quick succession having one in June of that year and the second that July 4th weekend. When tested he was at an age 3 level but has progressed over the years to late teens. Seeing both sides, I understand what you are going through. From your writing your husband is sharing very special times with you. My honey has done that with me since his strokes, as have I. We both have a tendency to do the "I remember when...." recollections and I wouldn't trade him or those times. Both of us are helping each other to climb our mountains. I am lucky that my highest mountains to climb came in 1980 and 1982 when I had major strokes...the tia's that I have had since are more like hills rather than mountains to conquer. This has allowed me to be able to work with him on his recovery. We both relive our yesteryears and it is almost like moving through a personal movie at times. Sometimes something will bring the memory to surface such as a word or a food or other things and we can sit and talk for hours about those days. And we both enjoy it though one day it may be honey reliving memories and me the next day. For those who are caregivers and have not been through a stroke it makes it harder, both emotionally and physically, on the person who is the caregiver.
Your husbands calming factor is his music which brings back memories. My honey's is the news, Facebook and our puppies. Mine is my art, my honey and our puppies. My art has been my lifeline and sanity saver. Thank heaven that I have not lost the ability to do my paintings though my last stroke did cause some lasting damage in other areas. I wonder if the music is the same for your husband.
Sorry for rambling... hope I made sense.
Shannon