As a professional caregiver, I have witnessed the good and bad days of those I care for.  I love my work and seeing their smile when I come into their room for activity.  Its always hard when one passes, I lose a member of my family.  Unfortunately, my lost is often hidden because I have others who look to me to assist.   The hardest day came when I witnessed my grandpa being the caregiver to his wife of 21 years.  I knew and understood the reason and all but it was very hard to witness. 

Kakie lost her fight to dementia in March 2001.  She loved plants and cats and most of all, she loved our family.  She was a grandmother and step grandmother to all of us.  This lost hit me differently, because I lost a actually family member.

When a resident to this disease or any disease I am thankful for the time I had with them and that they are finally at peace and not in pain.  I am thankful that the families can finally feel peace.  Its one of the hardest part of my job when I have a family member looking at me with tears.  I see the pain and question everyday.  I cry because I miss my residents but sharing stories of them always make me smile. 

When Kakie passed, I remember being sad and thankful at the same time. I was thankful because she was at peace.  My grandfather fulled filled his vow.  But I was sad because I lost a grandmother again.   

I have lost 3 aunts and step grandmother to this awful disease of Alzheimer's/Dementia.  I am honored to walk for them. 

Please donate in memory of a loved one lost, in honor of those who live with this awful disease or just in support of a World without Alzheimer's/Dementia