I hope everyone is doing well. Or, if you are an Alzheimer’s patient or caregiver, at least hanging on.
I feel like I am just hanging on today. This has been a week of inconsistent sleep and awful dreams. While I am dreaming, the dreams are vivid and detailed. I don’t remember many details after I wake up, though. I do remember that I was in Russia during one of my dreams. Maybe I was a Ukrainian soldier!
Yesterday, I reported on a class action lawsuit that has been filed against the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The lawsuit alleges that “NIH is unconstitutionally censoring research and allowing political ideology to override scientific expertise in determining which projects receive federal funding, contrary to congressional mandates.” Emory University and the University of Pittsburgh recently had three Alzheimer’s disease research grants cancelled. The specifics of the research studies raise questions about the NIH justification for cancelling the grants. The outcome of the lawsuit may lead to policy clarity. I hope the grants are restored.
While unpacking a box yesterday, I found three things that are meaningful to me.
In 1979, I served as the Sophomore Class President and the Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook at the University of South Carolina, Spartanburg Campus (the campus is known as Upstate today). Maybe that is where my love of writing and my interest in politics started. Check out my haircut and the lack of facial hair!
The photo on the opening page of the book seems appropriate for my current situation. I need to have faith in the future. That is a struggle, though.
The other two items found in the moving box are a rock and a photo of me in my fifties.
The photo reminds me of a very different period in my life. I wore business suits, got expensive haircuts, traveled frequently, and celebrated being a Durham foodie. Life was good. I think it is important for me to hold on to the memories of that period.
The rock is from Lubec, Maine. Lubec is the easternmost town in the United States. It is a tiny, quiet town with an authentic fishing village vibe. I went to Maine at the urging of my employees. Apparently, I was burned out from working and traveling too much. I flew into Portland and rented a car, and slowly drove to Lubec. At that time, the only place to stay in Lubec was Cohill’s Inn. With a bustling bar and restaurant on the first floor and sparse rooms on the upper floors, it was better than staying at a Four Seasons Hotel. The rooms had no telephones and there was no cell service. I felt rested, relaxed, and peaceful.
After leaving Lubec, I drove to Stonington and met Linda who had flown up to meet me. That vacation has exceptional memories for us.
Enough traveling down memory lane.
I am thrilled that Linda is dusting off her paint brushes and going to get back to painting. She is a talented artist who lost interest in painting during her battle with breast cancer in 2024.
I best wrap it up for today. We have a significant storm brewing and the three cats have decided my bedroom is their safe place. They are giving me a look that I intrepret as wanting treats and attention.
Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for being on this journey with us.