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Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak to a support group of wonderful caregivers. The purpose of the visit was to give them a “view from the other side,” so to speak. I arrived hoping that I could offer some helpful insights. Instead, I came away blessed by their interest in my story as someone diagnosed early enough to share, by their questions, and by their words (and hugs) of encouragement. The path they are walking is so challenging, and I hope you will join me in supporting that group with your prayers each day.

I’ll interject here that when I got back home, I was completely exhausted (in a good way), but that is part of my journey with Alzheimer’s. Activities that were once easy-breezy can now be very tiring. So, I’m learning to lean into God’s plan for me to rest, even when I want to keep going.

After a bit of a rest, I began to think about some of the questions I was asked and decided that would be a good place for me to start with today’s blog. There were the usual questions about how I was diagnosed and about my treatment. I had the opportunity to share how my book came about and how it could be purchased. But the most difficult questions were about how my day-to-day life is affected.

Many days it is like my brain is wading through mud. Things that used to be easy—figuring out insurance, making calls for MRIs or appointments—now seem to use up excessive amounts of brain power. I spend what feels like a crazy amount of time just figuring out how to spell simple words to write myself a sticky note! Luckily, I seem to have quite a lot of time on my hands these days, so it all works out okay.

Speaking of phone calls (no pun intended), it is one of the most challenging tasks for me. Everyone’s Alzheimer’s symptoms are different, as the disease progresses uniquely in each person and can be influenced by factors like age, health, and personality. For someone whose mind seems to have always gone “a mile a minute” (me!), having to stop and think about the last thing said or find a lost word needed to reply, talking on the phone can be exhausting. Texting, typing, etc., allows me time to think. And yes, to answer another question asked…it is frustrating, and sadness can hit without warning. Like with many obstacles in all of our lives, there are times we question what we have to offer, if fighting is worth the effort, or where do we go from here. Luckily, I have faith that God has a plan for me, and it’s my job to “Suck it up, Buttercup” and carry on!

But you know what? Going through this has opened my eyes to how tough it must be for kids with learning disabilities. I find myself wondering if “wading through mud” is how some of them must feel in school. It’s at this point that I take time to be grateful for teachers like my dear Stephanie, who had the patience and love to help children with special needs.

So today’s blog isn’t just about my brain going haywire; it’s about all the times people struggle to understand and be understood. We have to shine a light on the hard-to-discuss things—Alzheimer’s, learning differences, all of it. Nobody should feel lost and alone in the dark. We need to talk about it, get it out in the open, and be there for each other.

P.S. Hey, Friends of Marcellus…yes, I told the support group how I was coaxed into learning to play Mahjong and that you each are responsible (and probably pay the price) if I manage to regain talking at my previous mile-a-minute speed! What would I do without each of you?