Posted 6-19-19
Just a quick thought today. My KY3 interview got bumped to this morning and I don’t want to post an even more unedited rat’s nest than I usually do, so this post will be a bit of an explanation of the column/blog.
Why do I write stories using odd analogies and acronyms and sometimes make light of hard things? There is a quite simple answer: Alzheimer’s (and related dementias) schmushes and squeezes itself into every aspect of the life, so I just write about what is on my mind. I cannot help but to write without simile, it seems, because it takes a heaping helping of “likes” or an “ases” (or is it as’s?) to even try to explain how everyday life is so embroiled in the topic and its ramifications. The Alzheimer’s Association refers to this “condition”, if you will, as “The Longest Day“. They honor those living inside of this non-standard timepiece on June 21st, the summer solstice, because it is scientifically the “longest” day of the year in terms of sunlight. It makes for convenient fundraising for research and caregiver/patient help plus a great opportunity to raise awareness about the tired heroes who care for these patients 24/7/365, all the while trying to keep their collective heads above water in their own lives 36/7/365. I have never been at this place physically, but mentally and emotionally I feel like a kindred spirit with the millions of you who are. Thank you. Really…
So, I join with you with my typical 10-15 hours a week right now physically and my 158-163 hours mentally and emotionally (counting the many nights I have dreamed about cures, about having the condition and about what craziness I will write about tomorrow). The odd things that go through my brain and onto paper are the same odd things that usually do, but with this stinkin’ disease superimposed over my normal thought patterns. Thank you sooooo much to the true heroes out there. May the Lord richly bless you with health, with increased faith, with renewed strength and with eternal rewards.
Thank you all for visiting and learning and servings and helping and praying and…….just thank you.
#EndALZ
Update: Another great day for mom. The terrible times of the first several months in the memory unit are gone but remembered like they were yesterday because we know this disease doesn’t rest until it breaks everything. We pray for a cure or better treatments. ..and quick!
(Editor’s note: I am a big Disco fan. We even celebrate Disco Day at the Applegate house every September 21st. If you didn’t click the previous link, this fact may make even less sense than usual… 😉 )