I am the kind of person who learns about the world through stories. I understand when I hear people talk about what they have experienced. Counting what I personally saw with Maxine as I grew up with her mental illness, and my career in social services, I have been hearing stories for a long time. Of course, facts are important. But when you listen to a story, you are able to see the bigger picture. You are able to see the world through the storyteller's eyes. You experience the emotions. You hear about the impact. And because you are willing to listen, you are able to see what people actually deal with..
At work, we have been doing fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. Because my much loved Aunt A was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I have been very motivated to participate. And because of that effort, I have been blessed by people willing to share stories. They share the impact. They talk about the loss of watching a loved one deteriorate through confusion and loss of memory while remaining the same physically. They talk about the overwhelming task of taking care of someone who may be confused and antagonistic while they are trying to help. They talk. And they tell me about the magnitude of the disease.
I am always so grateful for these conversations. It helps me to truly understand. I get the complexity that is Alzheimer's Disease. And it has allowed me the opportunity to express my love and solidarity with people that might need it. I've found that the people most willing to give are those that have personally dealt with the issue. But we all have the capacity to listen...truly listen...to the stories. It's Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Statistics indicate that every 68 seconds, someone else is diagnosed. It's time to find a cure. Reach out this month. Get involved. Be willing to listen to a story. It will enrich your life.
At work, we have been doing fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association. Because my much loved Aunt A was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I have been very motivated to participate. And because of that effort, I have been blessed by people willing to share stories. They share the impact. They talk about the loss of watching a loved one deteriorate through confusion and loss of memory while remaining the same physically. They talk about the overwhelming task of taking care of someone who may be confused and antagonistic while they are trying to help. They talk. And they tell me about the magnitude of the disease.
I am always so grateful for these conversations. It helps me to truly understand. I get the complexity that is Alzheimer's Disease. And it has allowed me the opportunity to express my love and solidarity with people that might need it. I've found that the people most willing to give are those that have personally dealt with the issue. But we all have the capacity to listen...truly listen...to the stories. It's Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Statistics indicate that every 68 seconds, someone else is diagnosed. It's time to find a cure. Reach out this month. Get involved. Be willing to listen to a story. It will enrich your life.
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