Sometimes I step back and look at the person I care for with amazement. In the midst of all the hard stuff that happens- the pain, the disappointments, the losses- there are moments when it's as though a light shines through my loved one. Courage, patience, love, and kindness beam forth as if coming through her from a heavenly source. I am touched. I'm so glad I'm able to care for this special someone in my life, despite how hard it is sometimes. These moments of shining give me a sense of holy. Times like these I stop and say a prayer of gratitude. I take a moment to experience the shining presence of my loved one.
I was blessed to spend almost sixty years together with my best friend, my partner, my wife-- my person. Caring for her when she was sick was a privilege because she had always taken such wonderful care of me and the rest of the family. It was my turn to step up. It wasn't easy to watch how this awful disease affects an individual-especially someone you love more than yourself. But I saw the Gretchen I'd always known and loved shine through in so many special moments that we shared over the past few years. I will never forget the last three weeks of her life and how we stared into each other's eyes and no words needed to be spoken. I'd known her a lifetime--since I was just fifteen. Her brain might not have been functioning like it used to but we could still read each other's minds. That's what soulmates do. Each day, I reminded myself that no matter what we were facing, I just needed to love her. Just. love. her. And because of the wonderful person she was, she made it easy to do.
After losing my wife in January 2023, I decided to join the Dane County Alzheimer's Association Walk committee, so that I could get involved with various events, fundraising, sharing my own story about the disease with others who may be facing it, and stay educated about any developments with this disease. I believe my wife is looking down from Heaven and happy that her family is getting involved in a cause that was so important to her.
Please consider making a donation to our WALK 4 GRETCHEN team on this website, I also invite you join our team and come out and walk on October 6th in Madison with us if you are able. Together we can fight to find a cure for Alzheimer's. Thank you.
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
350
I have raised
100
My Goal
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Fundraiser
Top Team
Top Fundraiser
T-shirt
Storyteller
Walk Committee Member