I walk for my Dad, Richard, who is also one of my best friends. He and I have always had a close relationship and enjoyed doing things together (i.e. woodworking classes, church outings, working in his shop, etc). He is 88 years old and was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 10 years ago. After his diagnosis, we still spent a lot of time together, as I was trying to make his life as normal as possible.
Unfortunately, 3 years ago we had to put him in a local nursing home because his care became more than we could handle at home. My mom and his wife, Alice, is 88 years old and still lives in their home, which they built in 1960. My parents have been married for 68 years. My mom often says “I never thought our lives together would end like this.”
This will be my third walk in honor of my dad. I also walk in the hopes that we will not have to see other family members, friends or even strangers have to succumb to this horrible disease.
Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter 