After such a busy few months I finally had my last book event last week. I’d had a wonderful time and loved every minute of it. But it’s taken its toll. I’m empty and exhausted. I know I mustn’t stop or dementia will creep up on me so most of this week will be spent simply typing and pottering…..
I hope you know me well enough to know I’m not saying this for your pity.
The other day I set off travelling home at 9.30 and got home at 6pm, totally exhausted. So what keeps me doing what I do when faced with such challenges and exhaustion?
When I ask 200 children who knows someone with dementia and 2 thirds raise their hands
When a child writes that they won’t get upset when grandad forgets their name, they’ll smile and give him a hug all the same – because they heard me say it
When nurses eyes light up and make notes on the basics……because they heard me say it
When someone on Twitter says my words will change the way she practices…..because she read my blog
When a Gp questions my ability to speak articulately and be inciteful….because they’re in the audience – but at least I can respond and hopefully change their way of thinking.
When those who have partners thank me for giving them ideas on how to help their partner…….because they heard me speak
When someone comes up to me afterwards and says, he and his wife had never talked about her dementia but he was now going to talk to her in her care home and hope it’s not too late
When my Gp says she’s now read my book and has advised others in the practice to do the same..
I could go on, but I’ve learnt that I live in a very tiny bubble of people who know and understand and the rest of the world is yet to be educated.
When no one is surprised, when no one learns something new, when no one reads my blog or attends my events because the world has got it……..that’s when I’ll stop.
Mmmmmm me thinks that wont be in my life time. So I’ll hopefully die before dementia takes hold and prevents me doing all this, otherwise I could well be in the hands of those who don’t get it…….what a nightmare thought that is..
I’ll continue to exhaust myself for as long as people listen and learn. As I’ve said before I’d rather die of exhaustion than dementia. My daughters are with me on this and I couldn’t do it if they weren’t there for me.

I child writing this keeps me going……
Ah Wendy, again you have hit the nail on the head. You are making SUCH a difference in so many lives of so many ages. All this because you have been diagnosed with a dreaded disease and decided to learn, participate in research and share what you see. Thank you👏🏻💐🌸
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Thats very kind, thank you 🙏
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I love the way you are not letting dementia win. You are such a fighter. Keep up the awesome work.
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Wendy I think you are amazing brave lady and you give so many people hope for the future. I get my results tomorrow finally and whatever the outcome I’m no longer scared like I was. As following your blog for over a year I now know it’s not the end of the road but the beginning of a new journey!!
Thank you xx
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You’ll be the same person you were before you get the diagnosis as when you walk out of the room Vicky, whatever the outcome.🤗x
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Keep going Wendy. Your work will never be finished. You have opened my eyes. You are making us all think and sit up and take notice!
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Thank you 🙏
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Having just read your book I am only sorry that I had not had that insight many years ago to help in my understanding of my mother’s difficulties. I am however buying copies for my children in order to help them when dealing with my own lapses. I found your humour and cheerfulness so uplifting when reading your story and am sure it will help them and reassure them that their loving mum is still very much there. Thankyou
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Thank you Joan😊
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Thank you for helping me understand my mum x
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🤗x
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Beautifully put Wendy.
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Thanks for summing it all up, Wendy. You’re spot on. Like you, am feeling totally drained today, but am heading off to Auckland to present at the Alzheimer’s Association of New Zealand’s Conference tomorrow. I know I will be replenished by my fellow advocates, and inspired by the presentations of those who get it. Have a rest today, my dear to prepare yourself for what comes tomorrow. X
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Anyone of us could have written what I wrote.xx
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What splendid outcomes so impressive, Wendy. Keep on trucking!
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Quite right Wendy, never stop xx
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Wendy, keep typing, keep pottering, keep us comfortable and confident in being who we are.
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Thank you Bob 😊
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I believe I should be on commission for promoting sales of your book. Since reading it I have “sold” 9 copies: one to my Dad, one to my friend who’s Dad is in moderate to late stage dementia, one to a person I talk to on a dementia forum who’s wife has young onset dementia, and Mum’s carers. I’ll continue to promote sales of your book. It’s simply amazing as are you, Wendy.
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Awwww thats so kind of you thank you 😊🤗xx
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