Posted 11/8/24
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. -Proverbs 20:15
Hello all! Sorry for yet another long gap between pieces. When asked what I would do if money was no object, I would say pretty much exactly what I am doing now, but with some more help so that I had time to write. It brings me joy and it sharpens my fond memories of many of the folks I have met along my journey to get out the ole electronic quill and ink and share it. It also helps make sense of what seems to be a senseless disease and, in the process, pokes its eye by saying, not unlike what Joseph said when his terrible siblings fell to his feet and asked for forgiveness : “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” -Gen 50:19 Now, I am personalizing the YOU here as being Alzheimer’s instead of Joseph’s terrible siblings, but it still shows my point: even terrible things that happen to us and our loved ones can still be redeemed to do good and serve others. Anything less lets the bad situation win and the situation just be chalked up to be a pointless evil that we move on from. I believe we are called to do better.
(Screeching sound, writer changes directions)
Have you finished a dementia journey with a loved one? Find a way to lighten the load for someone else who is just starting. This idea reminds me of two good friends: Paul and Charlie. They are both about my age, give or take, and they are both looooooong distance runners. While they could be always doing it for themselves by pushing their bodies harder and harder to squeeze out every personal record they could, they instead serve as pacers in marathons and similarly long, crazy running events. Sometimes they even just pass out drinks to those running by. Pacing is a beautiful picture of service. They are experienced runners who can run at specific paces with little or no thought as to their speed. Their bodies tell them how fast they are going (and their fitness watches confirm it), and they essentially can go on a still strenuous and laborious autopilot. Less experienced runners, those struggling with a hitch in their giddy’up, or similar folks can run along side them and feel better almost immediately. As a plump someone who has ran 2 marathons and a 50k among many other, shorter runs, I can vouch that they are super encouraging and desperately needed. They may also be assigned to pace the faster folks to push them a little harder. I just have to keep up with Charlie and “I am on track”. Boy, howdy, do caregivers, especially new ones on their first run, need to feel like there is someone near. I sure did and I seek to be that for others now that I have finished a few races.
(Screeeeeech. Writer does it again)
We are entering advocacy season in the Alzheimer’s world. After the election is over (In case you were unaware, we just finished an election. I know, I know…there hasn’t been much coverage, but you can trust me…we did. ) those in AIM (the advocacy wing of the Alzheimer’s Association, called Alzheimer’s Advocacy Movement) start drafting legislative priorities and preparing to visit state legislatures (Missouri does this on Memory Day on Tuesday Feb 11, 2025 from 8am – 4pm) and the US Congress (called the Alzheimer’s Association Forum, happening in the late winter). Our goal: to help the vulnerable.
We have so many options in fighting a disease that strikes over 7 million in the US alone! There is always a verb involved, though. Other good verbs for this business of fighting dementia: caring, sharing, teaching, serving, mowing, shuttling, driving, picking up, giving time, giving coin, praying, and more…
If you have time, please reach out. I would be happy to help you find your niche as we #EndALZ once and for all!
-Mark
