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8years ago, the most amazing man took his last breathe- thanks to Younger Onset Alzheimer’s. He had known what was coming, having watched helplessly as his mom and brother also succumbed to the unrelenting disease. 8 years has seen a lot of change. His daughter played many softball and field hockey games. She ran cross country and rowed for UVA. She graduated high school and college, worked as a Senate Page in DC, studied abroad in Jordan and visited multiple countries in Europe. She got her braces off and grew a few inches. She skied mountains he once skied and read some of his books. She made new friends and learned many new life hacks- including how to navigate the world without your Dad. Jim missed all of her amazing feats- including watching her become the wonderful woman he had envisioned that first day he held her in his arms.

The past 8 years has also seen a lot of change for Jim’s son- who was only 12 when Jim was cruelly taken. But even worse were the many years prior which saw Jim slowly lose his ability to show his son how to play racquetball (he was a champ!) or how to shave or see him hit his first home run. He wasn’t there to patiently go over again how to tie a tie or bite his tongue during driving lessons. Jim was missed during each embarrassing time Karen had to step in to play the “dad” role and have sensitive yet important conversations. He would have beamed with pride at his sons’ love of nature and the garden he built and the apple trees he purchased and planted. He would have cheered loudly at the volleyball games and the track meets. He would have gladly worn a green tie as his son signed to commit to play D1 baseball. He would have beamed with pride at his high school graduation and would eagerly visit campus to watch games and cry as he left each time.

8 years of an empty seat at the games, at the table, on the couch and in the car. 8 years of wondering how different the world would be- how different the family dynamic would be.

With new drugs and treatments- people diagnosed early can have those 8 years. Hopefully even more. They can have the graduations and weddings, the holidays and sunsets. They can share in the doldrums of everyday life that become so precious and priceless when the participants are changed.

Karen is participating once again in the Longest Day with a group of ladies who will be adventuring together once again.

Today, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's or other dementias, including more than 5 million Americans. In the United States alone, 16 million friends and family members are providing their care. We must take action now, or these numbers will continue to rise.

Stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s and make a donation today to help the Alzheimer's Association support all those facing the disease. Thank you!

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