Looking Over My Shoulder

 I think that Alzheimer's Disease may be harder on those around the Loved one who has it.  We deal with seeing the person we love, lose all memory of our life together. We deal with our own fears that we too, will develope the disease. 

I talked with a physician friend of mine about having the test that would tell me, for sure, if I am carrying the Alzheimers Gene. We talked at length and he said that would set up the test for me if... that is really what I  wanted.                          He asked me an interesting question. What would you do different if you knew that you carried the gene?  I couldn't think of anything, then he said,why have the test and be constantly.. looking over your shoulder?  Even if you carry the gene, you may never develope the disease but you would carry a fear of something that may or may not happen in your future.  Then, I thought of Peggy and her ability to live totally in the present. That is what I am trying to do with my life..Gene or No Gene.  I refuse to constantly Look over my Shoulder to see if the Alzheimer's monster is gaining on me. I must admit that I get a bit tense if I forget a name or can't recall something quickly enough. That is normal for anyone but when you have the Alzheimers monster learking around...it takes on a whole new meaning. So, I write. Just in case, one day, I am tapped on the shoulder and turn around to stare Alzheimers Disease in the face. If it ever happens...I will stare it down and laugh because I will have won the battle. I am living my life for today and not for some monster that may be in my future.

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well perserved body...But Rather.. Skid in Broadside, Throughly Used Up, Totally Worn Out and Loudly Proclaiming

WOW......WHAT A RIDE!            (unknown)

I love you today, Peggy!        Mary Louise