Dear Dementia………..

A day in the life

I published this blog last August but Dementia awareness week seems a good time to reblog

Dear Dementia,

We have to sit down and have a heart to heart………..

I preferred my life when you weren’t apart of it but now I can’t live without you – sadly – but there’s no need to be with me 24 hours a day. I’d like some time on my own please. You’re in my thoughts – constantly….however, sometimes I’d like to forget about you and you me, and return to days gone by, before you’d entered my life.

I know we’ll never part, and I know some days you’ll be insistent on making your presence felt, but some times it’s just nice to be single again and roam around and mingle like you weren’t there……to have conversations that don’t involve your name; not to have to think of plan Bs to accommodate your presence……..to simply be me…..without you…….

Some days you can stifle me into submission. On these days I accept we’ll just sit together and while away the time until you feel able to leave me alone once more.

If you ever feel you’ve made a mistake and want to leave me forever, I’ll be happy to wave you off and wish you well………….

 

About wendy7713

On the 31st July 2014 I was diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia. I may not have much of a short term memory anymore but that date is one I’ll never forget. I’m 58 years young, live happily alone in Yorkshire, have 2 daughters and I’m currently still in full time employment in the NHS. However, I’m now in the process of taking early retirement to give me a chance of enjoying life while I’m still me. I've started this blog to allow me, in the first instance, to write all my thoughts before they’re lost. If anyone chooses to follow my ramblings it will serve as a way of raising awareness on the lack of research into Alzheimer's. It will hopefully convey the helplessness of those diagnosed with dementia, as there is no cure – the end is inevitable. However, I’m also hoping I can convey that, although we've been diagnosed, people like me still have a substantial contribution to make; we still have a sense of humour; we sill have feelings. I’m hoping to show the reality of trying to cope on a day to day basis with the ever-changing environment that dementia throws at those diagnosed with the condition. What I want is not sympathy. What I want is simply to raise awareness.

6 thoughts on “Dear Dementia………..”

  2. I felt like weeping on reading this Wendy. My husband has dementia and I recognise your struggles. I think that you are absolutely amazing and love reading your blogs. All the best, Jeannie xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. I love reading your blogs and some of the things you say give me heart. My mother has dementia, she’s 82 and was diagnosed 2 years ago. She is coping well and staying strong but I see the tell tale signs slowly taking hold. My mother uses a walking stick but I notice her spatial awareness deteriorating but she does not give in she still goes for her walks despite this. Yesterday, we went to town for a pub lunch and to cut a long story short she didn’t make it to the toilet in time. She was so embarrassed, this had never happened before but fortunately I was able to pop into a shop and buy some fresh clothes. We were able to continue on and have a lovely afternoon and my mother completely forgot what had happened but I hope the kindness and love that surrounds her stays with her. Julie

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.