The Irish Goodbye is the exact opposite, offering a silent adieu to a congregation, usually with the understanding that providing an ample goodbye to all appropriate parties would take forever (see aforementioned “Midwest Goodbye”).
If you were to take the Midwest Goodbye and the Irish Goodbye and remove all feelings of warmth and fulfillment and optimism, you would be left with the Long Goodbye. This is the time that lapses between the diagnosis of a loved one and their eventual demise, with the one-sided knowledge that only you will see the goodbye to the end. It is the endless cycle of affirmations and promises and anecdotes paired with the anxiety over what comes next, and then one day, a day that no one knows or recognizes in the moment, the routine ends and you are left with all the lasts…the last “I love you,” the last meaningful hug, the last laugh and the last goodbye.
Summarizing my mom’s life by the Long Goodbye of her final years would rob us of all the versions that made up her life, that made her the person we loved. At age 69, she was every age that she has ever been, each worth celebrating.
She was kind, goofy, smart, loving, funny, maternal and had the greatest dance moves you've ever seen. She made strong drinks, liked men in kilts, spoke her mind, and was the glue of our family.
I have been blessed with her blue eyes and freckled hands, as well as the aforementioned killer dance moves.
We honor her life every day, but having an opportunity to do so at the Walk to End Alzheimer's gives us a purpose.
The Alzheimer's Association provides Alzheimer's care and support, including helpful information and resources for those living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer's or other dementias. They have local chapters for more targeted support, and also work to advance research and education.
If you have interest and capacity to make a donation, please do and know that we appreciate your generosity and consideration more than you know.
If you'd like to join our team (We're ALZ in), please do...we'd love to have you!
Finally, if you are lucky enough to have a parent or parental figure in your life, give them a call or a text or an email and let them know you're thinking of them. Send the love while you have the chance!
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