Alzheimer's is a cruel disease

I recently visited my wife to celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary, and I was a little overwhelmed with our situation. I know that right now she has a black eye from a fall to the floor, a knot on her head from a second fall, and a broken arm from a third fall; all these occurring recently because her brain just can't tell her body to slow down and be careful when she walks the halls of the nursing home.

When I visit, she looks at me quizzically and gives me a smile, and I again delude myself into thinking she knows me as she turns away after a few seconds and walks down that hall.

Cancer and heart attack victims survive because of our research and knowledge. There has never been a survivor of Alzheimer's. When we got the news in 2003, it was a death sentence with no hope of survival. If you have the extra to give, please think of these people, especially those with early onset Alzheimer's, so that at some time people can at least have hope in the future. Donations may be sent to Alzheimer's disease Research, 2512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950.

A little note about Barbie to her friends. She is called an "angel" by those in the home. She is 25 years or so younger than everyone else and gives each of them a touch or pat on the cheek when she sees them. Everyone in the entire home knows her, loves her, and prays for her. I personally do not know which way to pray anymore. I am looking at a picture of us on the Odyssey celebrating our anniversary. This was just a day after we had received "the news." What a beautiful, vibrant, young woman she was - I know that person still exists inside her now. If you know Barb, please think of her when you are giving donations or going on walks. Your efforts may some day give hope. And hope is the greatest gift.

Jim Hinkle

Algonquin