Posted 3/1/21
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens -Ecc. 3:1
Happy Monday to all! 🙂
Just a quick thought or two today since this is Memory Week, the week we set aside for advocacy with state legislators. I will be in and out and up and down the ole interwebs talking to lots and lots of folks more important than I about our unfortunate topic. This year it is via Zoom, which could be more productive and could be less…we shall see soon enough. After this sweet advocacy time, I am honored to get to speak on KY3 TV about dementia/COVID/statistics, etc… I look forward to sharing what I know in this way. 🙂
The exercise for my Runnin’ Til I’m Purple Longest Day event in June is coming along pretty well. I ran around 13 miles outdoors on the Frisco Highline Trail Saturday, took yesterday “off” from running, then did 7 miles this morning on the treadmill. Can I be blunt? Running on the treadmill stinks, especially compared to the beautiful trail.
I just had a quick thought today since I am so booked with these events: We have a choice in our attitude with dementia just like when we run. We can see the situation in only the sad reality of being dragged along like a treadmill, or we can make the most of the situation by concentrating our days/weeks/months on loving our loved ones and enjoying all the many blessings they have left. Is it tragic? Yes. VERY. But this tragedy doesn’t have to keep us from enjoying the time we have left with him/her nor does it make a good excuse to give up. We just take each step as a blessing. Don’t let this stupid disease drag you along! There will be time later to mourn, to be mad, and to petition God for answers. Instead, hop on the trail, breath in the air, and do your very best.
Advocate.
Love.
Serve.
Help.
Give all you have, knowing the trail is long. Then, when the end of the trail is in sight, you can live in peace knowing that you did what you could. Oh, and the experiences you have learned can be shared with others just entering the trailhead.
I love you all and appreciate your running this race. Keep your head up and take it one step at a time. 🙂
#EndALZ
Update: Mom is still coughing, but seems stable. Aspirating food/drinks is common, but this commonness doesn’t make it less dangerous. I look forward to my next visit tomorrow morning. I will update you Wednesday. 🙂