My Alzheimer's Journey
Part 51 - The Goodness of People
September 14 I wrote my first blog post.
I wrote about being “scared shitless”. At that point in time, my Alzheimer’s diagnosis was fresh. I did not know what to expect in the weeks, months, and years ahead. I knew without a doubt that our life had changed forever.
Fast-forward eighty-eight days to today.
I am still scared shitless. Yet, we have settled into our new life in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We have accepted our new normal. I am getting used to infusions every two weeks. I am not used to the MRI scans, though.
Every day seems to bring an unexpected challenge, a worsening symptom, or a new ache. It isn’t just me, Linda has her own health issues. We often joke that we are a hot mess. I am so happy to have Linda as my hot mess partner.
There is also a tremendous amount of sunshine in our new life.
From the day I received the results of my PET scan showing that I definitely had early stage Alzheimer’s disease, we have experienced the goodness of people. So many expressions of love. Kindness from strangers. Generosity from friends and family.
A few of our heroes include, the couple who are managing the asset liquidation of our recently closed business, friends in Spartanburg who are helping to get our town house ready to rent, and the friends who drove a U-Haul truck with our washer and dryer to Chapel Hill. All of these awesome people demonstrate the goodness of people.
The Duke Health medical team is amazing. Compassionate, smart, and caring professionals. They are shining lights when I am in a dark place. Every interaction we have with anyone at Duke from the valet parking staff to the physicians are an example of the goodness of people.
We are in a bit of cash squeeze because our town house has not been rented, the business assets have not been sold, and our expenses in Chapel Hill are significant. After a great deal of thought and with the encouragement of a close friend, we started a Go Fund Me campaign recently. Everyone who has contributed to our Go Fund Me or mailed us a check are good people. Strangers, close friends, and business associates, have generously stepped up to help us. The goodness of people shines brightly.
Without the goodness of people, Linda and I would not be able to bear the challenges we face every day.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each one of you.