0. Why this blog?

In June of 2024 I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. As of this writing, there is no cure. I will gradually (am already) lose my memory, and probably my sense of self. So, I am undertaking several writings, of which this blog is only one. I’m writing weekly chapters on Storyworth, which is a great exercise. Thanks to my FDIL, Pickles, for that gift, and the initiatives it spurred. Storyworth is a great gift for anyone, but especially those who have a grave illness. Each week, you are prompted to write a tale. At the end of a year, they will bind your entries into a book. This process has been great for long term memory retention.

I’m also trying my hand at a book chronicling my wife’s and my adventures around the world. That also has been a wonderful and fun exercise. Some of the chapters are going to be included in the Storyworth book, and others not. This has allowed me deep dives into the past, and forced me to reconstruct timelines and has reminded me of many great moments. At some point, Wendy and I will go through pictures and illustrate, when possible, the descriptions. 

For quite a while, since COVID19, I’ve been writing a deeper history of my life, including my upbringing, and the adventures that led me to be the person that I am today. I haven’t touched that in a while. At some point, I may re-look at it, or I just might post the in-process here. 

So this blog is going to be a NOW blog. I’m going to chronicle my life as it progresses post-diagnosis. (There will be a catch-up chapter coming next, and then I’ll only talk about what is current.) It is my hope to write about many happy times along with the bad and my treatments, and other efforts I put into fighting off the inevitable. Most of my memory loss is in the short term, so this is also an effort to keep those memories alive. I will say that at this point, the only people who really notice an issue are those closest to me. New acquaintances have no idea that I have this disease, and are surprised if I mention it. I intend for this to be a raw experience. I will hold nothing back. I’ve gone through many of the stages of grief already, and am, for the most part, on the upside. I have, I hope, plenty of good life ahead of me but it is always tempered by the thought of the inevitable. Those who know me know that this is the worst possible outcome for me. I’m terrified.

So, sign up if you want emails sent when I update. Pass it on to anyone you think might be interested. Spread the word that there are great advances in medication happening as we speak. Throw a comment if you like. I’ll read them all. And I thank you for your presence in my life.