September 2006 was a very busy month of driving to Houston for the testing at Baylor, packing and moving from our big house to the rent house.We received the diagnosis from Baylor,.....and now the time was here to contact friends and family, and let them know that David had Alzheimer's. No more secrets............ Initially, this was hard to do, but once it was done.......I felt a great weight off my shoulders.
The response we received from our friends and family was priceless. I saved every card, letter and e-mail, and I've read and re-read the sweet/compassionate messages, ...... and they've lifted me up many times!!
HERE'S THE LETTER........
October 2, 2006
Dear Friends and Family,
I'd like for you to know what is going on in our life.
Last October David was given a diagnosis of 'probable' Alzheimer's disease. For a year now, he's been on medications to slow the progress of the disease....... And so far it has done a good job.
David does not have short term memory loss for now. He's still an avid reader, but he has lost the ability to spell and do anything with numbers (as a C.P.A., numbers have been his passion, and this is very hard for him) and he no longer drives.
His neurologist recommended we go to the very best Alzheimer doctors in the US, which is at Baylor School of Medicine in Houston. We've gone there every Tuesday and Wednesday during the month of September for testing. Unfortunately the test
confirm that he does have this awful disease. They have increased his medication, because studies have shown how important medication is ......... 0n slowing the disease. Unfortunately, the medications often leave David feeling 'funny', but we know how important it is for him to take the medication..... And we will continue the course of medications....
God has been so good! In the midst of all of this........ Our house sold so quickly!!! The move went so smooth...... We found a house for lease across the street from where we will have a garden house built. We are both relieved to be moving to a home with fewer requirements of our time, money and energy.
I'm not sharing this with you for sympathy or sadness for us; we've had a wonderful life together and we plan on continuing to enjoy life's blessings together as long as possible. Alzheimer's disease affects everyone differently, and we are facing each day with hope and determination and spending time with family and friends. We do feel however that we are at a point where it is best to share David's diagnosis with our friends, for your support and understanding, and especially for your prayers!! I admit, some days are more difficult than others, and to be honest, it is often hard for me to discuss, so I hope you understand why we chose to ask for your prayers in this way. We know the love and support of our family, friends and our church family will be a blessing to us.
Love,
Dolores & David
God has been so good! In the midst of all of this........ Our house sold so quickly!!! The move went so smooth...... We found a house for lease across the street from where we will have a garden house built. We are both relieved to be moving to a home with fewer requirements of our time, money and energy.
I'm not sharing this with you for sympathy or sadness for us; we've had a wonderful life together and we plan on continuing to enjoy life's blessings together as long as possible. Alzheimer's disease affects everyone differently, and we are facing each day with hope and determination and spending time with family and friends. We do feel however that we are at a point where it is best to share David's diagnosis with our friends, for your support and understanding, and especially for your prayers!! I admit, some days are more difficult than others, and to be honest, it is often hard for me to discuss, so I hope you understand why we chose to ask for your prayers in this way. We know the love and support of our family, friends and our church family will be a blessing to us.
Love,
Dolores & David
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More than 2 years have gone by since 'the letter'.......and life is still good, ....and I say, "thank you God"!!!!!
1 comment:
I loved looking at these pics! You guys look like you were having so much fun! :-)
I was so glad when you told everyone...friends and family are such a blessing when we really need them!!! L~
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