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Linda's journey started in January 2016; although it was believed to have started much closer to the time she lost her husband in May 2014. There where the typical signs of forgetting appointments, struggling to find the right words in sentences, and even a time when she could not remember how to start her car. Her family realized quickly this was probably more serious than someone who is mourning the loss of their spouse of 50 years. When they sat down with her to discuss what they thought might be going on, she demonstrated all of the behaviors any person would demonstrate when faced with this - denial, anger, confusion, etc. After some discussion, Linda agreed to go to her doctor and have tests done. After that initial appointment and many tests, she received the results; the dreaded words, "MCI" which stands for Mild Cognitive Impairment. Linda scored 4 out of 20, which put her into more of a moderate to severe category of Alzheimer's. What was feared was now the new reality! Linda and her family began the journey of navigating this new normal, which had many trials and tribulations along the way. Even with that, there were moments of positivity along the way too, such as deepened relationships, new relationships established, and many funny stories. Linda was a storyteller and loved to reminisce about her childhood. In late 2018, Linda moved in with her son, Lenzy Jr., who took care of her on a daily basis - their relationship deepened even more than what they had before. While with him, Linda started going to a wonderful place that works with adults with Alzheimer's and dementia. She flourished and discovered she enjoyed art, got to dance (she loved to dance!) and sing, and experienced many different cognitive things. Eventually the change in behavior due to Alzheimer's became a challenge and in February 2020, Linda became the resident of a private care home which provided 24-7, personalized attention and care. She became fond of her caregivers and, on many occasions, showed her feisty personality to them! Linda fought a valiant fight for four more years. Like all Alzheimer's stories, her body desperately yearned for its final rest and she went home to be with our Lord and reunited with her beloved husband, Lenzy Sr., on April 24, 2024.

To those who become the caregiver of a loved one, remember you're not alone if you find yourself facing the dreaded Alzheimer's word. The changes you see in your loved one cannot be helped. Their brain is changing, not yours. Open your mind to simply understand their world; what may not make sense to you, is completely clear to them. If your loved one is a parent, remember when you were little and unable to take care of yourself, it was your parent who loved and comforted you-love and comfort them. It's ok to agree with what they are experiencing, even if your head knows better. It's your heart that wants them to be safe and feel loved!