My family participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, we have participated in some capacity for about 8 years now. We have not been able to go to every walk due to family issues at the time. We will not be there again this year, but I am going to start going back to the Walk’s next year.
My aunt had Alzheimer’s, she passed away in June of 2019. Auntie was the glue that held our family together. None of the holidays will ever be the same. It wasn’t that same without her there, playing rook and keeping everyone in line because that’s what she did. I lived next door to her and my uncle for 8 years. I helped with keeping the house clean, cooking, taking care of their medicine, making sure they took the medication correctly, etc… I am so thankful for those years that I got with her. I’m so glad that my son was able to be close to her.
My aunt loved ladybugs; she had little ladybug decorations everywhere. I have seen more real lady bugs since she passed away then I have my whole life. Everywhere I go, I at least see one, if not more. We have had a few family functions, and a ladybug will be somewhere around. I know people probably think I’m crazy, but I think it’s Auntie’s way of letting us know she’s still here and okay. Crazy or not, it helps some of in the family grieve.
There’s an old song called A Bushel and a Peck, I’m not sure who the original artist is, but Doris Day is one, The Andrew Sisters, Betty Hutton, it’s also in the Broadway Show “Guys and Dolls’, just to name a few. But the most important artist that so many in my family and close friends know is my Auntie. She would sing it to all of us. I can still hear the “doodle, doodle, doodle” part. I miss her so much and I always will.
I am going to share some facts about Alzheimer’s that I got from the Alzheimer’s Association website:
Between 2000 and 2017, deaths from Alzheimer’s has increased 145%.
Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women.
One in three seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease.
There are more than 16 million caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States.
The Alzheimer’s Association Use of Funds so you know where your money is going if you choose to donate:
77% – Alzheimer’s care, support, research, awareness and advocacy
18% – Fundraising
5% – Administrative
If you would like to donate, please go to http://act.alz.org
Thank you so much for your support and listening to my story. She is the reason why I will never forget and I will continue to support this cause.