Uuuuggghhhhh,  I hate this dreadful disease, it's brutal.  It’s crazy how Alzheimer's messes up the brain.  You know they're going to decline, but there is nothing like the daily reality of the decline smacking you in the face.  The daily walks are gone, he can no longer walk.  James went from using the bathroom, to briefs in a matter of weeks. The joy of eating for him is gone.  We feed him small mouthfuls at a time, watching that he swallows and doesn’t pool his food. He is losing the ability to swallow.  He looks at me, but doesn’t see me.  

The babbling and the handful of words are gone, he has no more stories to tell.  James’ is lost in his mind.

The past year James has declined by leaps.  Early onset Alzheimer's tends to do that.  He had bouts of anger- not pleasant to experience.  Times when he was full of anxiousness, confusion and fright.  His eyes would be full of distraught and bewilderment and at times so scared. All heart breaking to witness.

James is in the final stage of the disease.  He had multiple seizures, (also tends happen to early onset) and now his beautiful smile is all but gone.  The Alzheimer's Society of Dufferin has played a huge role in supporting James and our family.  We have appreciated the visits, phone calls, advice, advocacy and the training they have provided this past year.  They are a valuable resource in our community.  The commitment, dedication and compassion they have shown is second to none.

We hope, when you are allocating your support to the various charities that you donate to, you consider supporting the Alzheimer society, they truly do amazing work.

I picture James one day being free from the constraints of the disease, soaring through the sky free as can be.  

 Living in my heart James, you’ll always be near.