On November 5th, a Saturday, the Alzheimers Association is holding a Walk To End Alzheimers in Bell County, Texas (Temple, to be exact) to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimers research and support. This is a special cause, one near to my heart and to the hearts of many of my friends and family.
Our team name is "Great Memories" and we are walking in honor of my dear friend Lori's aunt, who just recently passed away as a result of Alzheimers. In addition we are walking in memory of my beloved late grandmother Alice and the beloved late grandmother of my dear friend Lisa.
These women touched the lives of many. I don't know near enough about my friends' loved ones. I do, however, know my 'Grammy' - who was a strong and opinionated woman who loved her daughters and their families. Her life was full - she had many adventures and a successful and important career in nursing. She raised three successful and beautiful daughters. She was wife to my dear grandfather, Jack, who loved her fiercely - more than any man in the love stories we all sometimes wish our lives resembled.
She was funny and dynamic. Her stories were full of suspense and heart. Her home was alive with the sounds of friends and family. She decorated the most beautiful Christmas tree and baked the most delicious sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving. I would have given anything to get married in her backyard, with her and my grandfather standing next to my parents as I said my vows.
Now, I remember her and wish I could spend an evening with her as she was before she became afflicted with Alzheimers disease. I would like to hear her stories again and soak them in the way I never did when I was younger. I wish I could tell her about my husband and our friends, our life in Texas and the career path I chose for myself. Mostly I wish I could hug her one last time and tell her, unequivocally, how much I love her and how much I regret that her life remains largely a mystery to me, because - as most young people - I didn't pay enough attention while I had her with me.
Alzheimers disease destroyed my grandmother's mind and - eventually - her body, but it can never take away the fond memories we all have of her in our hearts and will never lessen the love I have for her. Every year Alzheimers disease claims the minds of our loved ones. Together, we can fight back and help further research efforts and support groups for caregivers who give up their lives, as they know them, to help their loved ones maintain their way of life as long as they can.
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