Renowned Nollywood actress Joke Silva had a heartfelt conversation with media personality and actress, Nancy Isime. She candidly discussed the difficulties she and her husband, Olu Jacobs, have faced. Particularly as they navigate through his battle with dementia.
Silva, who holds her husband in high regard as an exceptional father and husband, reminisced about their early years together, emphasizing the deep bond they shared. However, as Jacobs’ illness progressed, it brought significant changes to their relationship.
Acknowledging the challenges they have faced, Joke Silva expressed,
It has not been easy… There was a point of acceptance for me that everything happening is reality and it is like the person I married, 80 percent of the time is no longer there.”
Despite the impact of dementia on their marriage, Silva continues to harbour profound affection for her husband. While acknowledging that their previous connection has been altered, she reaffirmed her enduring love, stating,
The husband I knew is no longer here for me, but this man is someone I still love.”
With a marriage spanning 37 years and a relationship that extends back 42 years, including five years of courtship, Silva also recognized the hardships they encountered in the early stages. Over time, she has embraced their circumstances and now sees herself as a caregiver to her beloved husband, adopting a role more akin to caring for a father than maintaining a traditional husband-wife dynamic.
