My dad was diagnosed with dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease. My mother was his caregiver until her unexpected death in 2016. At that time, I took over care for my dad until I found a home for him to live out his final days. I cared for my dad as he once cared for me. It's strange switching roles, where the child becomes the parent. It's something you don't really think about as you get older, yet I feel it was a privilege and an honor to do so. My dad didn't remember my name and didn't know that the love of his life had passed away, but he knew I was someone who loved him and I was a safe place to land. After I moved him into an RCFE, I visited often taking him on "field trips" to the beach (his happy place) and to get a milkshake. I got to know a totally different person, a stranger really, yet he was still my dad. My father passed away in February of 2017, four months after my mom at the age of 94.
I have participated in so many walks, too many to count. The walks are a bright spot amidst the dark journey of dementia. It's important for people to see the joy in an otherwise sad situation. Walk4ALZ is such a special event. It's important to connect with other people walking the same path as you are, knowing you are not alone in your journey and Walk4ALZ is a great way to do that, even if for a few hours. It's an upbeat fun event with music and entertainment that brings smiles to so many living this story.
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