A Guest
Post by:
Norman McNamara – Me and My Alzheimer’s
Norman was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s at 50 years old. Quite a blow for a man in the prime of his life. His goal since then has been to bring awareness to others. A simple question from his lovely wife on the eve of the New Year inspired him to write this Post. An eye-opening read for all of us who only “wonder” how our loved ones with this disease actually feel.
Just One Question?
It was just one question!! Just one question, as simple as that! Out of the blue last night my “Angel” Elaine asked me if I missed going out on New Year’s Eve. Who would have known that just one question could have evoked such an emotional reaction by me?
I sat there and thought about it for a few seconds before I answered, “Yes, of course I do. — And, do you know what else I miss?” I began the list.
1. Getting ready and looking forward to a great night out.
- Problem is: I can’t fasten my buttons, tie, or shoelaces any more.
2. Going to a concert and listening to the groups playing live!
- Problem is: Anything loud these days seems to run through me like electricity.
3. Going from pub to pub and having a laugh with everybody.
- Problem is: Thanks to Alzheimer’s, my self esteem and self confidence have plummeted.
4. Meeting up at midnight and dancing the New Year in.
- Problem is: I’m too tired to stay up that late.
5. Sitting in a busy pub/club and enjoying myself with friends and family.
- Problem is: I panic in crowds and get very edgy when I am closed in anywhere.
And so the list continued until I got myself into such a state I didn’t know if I was coming or going! I wonder when people are diagnosed with this awful disease, ‘do they ever realize at the time, the dramatic and damming changes that may happen to them.’ I didn’t and I can’t be the only one who feels this way?
A disease like this is so far reaching and has so many complications added to it, not only for the person involved but also their loved ones and friends. Lives are changed! Paths are altered forever, but amongst all this Mayhem and strife–
WE ADAPT! IT’S WHAT WE DO! WE HAVE TO!
And we have to make the best of it!
Life is for living, no matter what your Gender, religion or illness! Life itself is a fight! I have always taught my grandchildren; when they say “ITS NOT FAIR” I always say “LIFE’S NOT FAIR” but we make the most of it!
So tomorrow is another day and long may we live with hope, expectation and GUSTO!
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About The Author – Norman McNamara
Norman Mc Namara or ‘Norrms’ as I’m known to my friends, I was born in Bolton, and now reside in Devon ‘United Kingdom’ where I live with my ‘Angel wife Elaine’ We have three grown up children, Eight Grandchildren, and a great grandson. I am 52 years old at the time of writing this. I was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s two years ago which was a mighty blow on top of already having heart failure, but I’m a fighter and hope by writing this it will help loved ones and carer’s alike understand a little bit more about how a person with dementia sometimes feels.
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Norm’s Book : Me and My Alzheimer’s
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