A Starting Point

They say that when life gives you lemons, you should use them to make lemonade.  My family has been given its' fair share of challenges over the last few years, and once again, we find ourselves being forced to make lemonade.

Several months ago, our world was turned upside down when my dad was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer's (at age 59).  Over the last few months, we've watched a relatively rapid progression of this terrible disease, and are now faced with the reality of what we're dealing with. 

Unfortunately, with EOA, there are no rules, no playbook, and no way to predict how things will progress day to day, week to week, or month to month.  Every day is different - some better than others, and we're all trying to adjust to this new roller coaster on which we find ourselves.

For now, he and my mom are managing life at home, but we all realize that this will surely have to change at some point.  We don't know how quickly anything will happen - this really is a "take it one day at a time" situation.  Our best estimation is that he's in Stage 4 (of 7).  They are working with a specialist at University Hospital, but unfortunately, aside from being on the standard medication, there isn't much to be done.

While we are all dealing with the loss that the slow goodbye of Alzheimer's brings, we find that we are blessed with the gift of time, however brief, to create more love, happiness, and lasting memories for our family!  

As the daily challenges of live continue to hit us, we will hopefully continue to look on the bright side, be thankful for what we have, and, of course, turn the lemons of life into lemonade.