A Personal Story

Hello Friends,

I have a very personal story to share about my Father. In it will give a glimpse as to why I've registered to Walk to End Alzheimer's

Before I begin I actually have a plea ...please look for the best in people. Our family, like yours is perfectly imperfect. I believe each of us (6 kids) has intentions to honor our aging parents by providing them what they have provided us .. a loving, caring, safe environment.

So..here it is.

The year was 2008 and by this time our family made a collective decision to take his driving privilege away.  In this case, it was heartbreaking cause my Father was always independent, self-sufficient, sociable, out-going and always on-the-go. He was in retirement mode and still had a zest for living! However, Dad had a few but very distinct indications of forgetfulness.... 

Then it happened...(below is an excerpt from a website we set up dedicated to update family, friends, the community, this entry was written by my sister Amy)

Journal Entry on Jan 29, 2008 

Not all of you have heard yet. I'm going to try and give you as much details as I can. Please pray. We are all very tired. If I didn't mention something, it's probably because we simply don't know what happened...

Dad wandered off sometime late afternoon on Saturday. As soon as we all realized it, we searched the area, within walking distance. He has Alzheimers and we registered him with safe return earlier last year. The safe return company called us at 9:45pm, Sat and said that Dad was at Western Medical Hospital in Santa Ana. He was hit by a car at 40 mph.

The accident occurred at PCH and 1st in Huntington Beach. We have no clue how he got that far away from home. His pelvis is shattered, massive bleeding in his abdomen. He is urinating, so that is good. He also is bleeding on the brain. They have a tube in his brain to monitor the pressure. The neurosurgeon said if he doesn't bleed any worse on his brain, then we don't have too much to worry about.

He is intubated (sp?). Has a central line in. Broken left leg and right ankle. He was 'awake' when he first arrived at the hosp. Now they are just maintaining the pain. He's in the critical care unit. They are currently putting in a brace around his pelvis. Without it, the pelvis will want to spread and they are trying to maintain the bleeding. With so much bleeding no surgery will take place until that stops and he is more stable. They've already given him more than 8 units of blood and plasma.

I'm at home trying to rest and be with mom. She's been more active today than any day since she's been released from the hospital herself. Laundry, dishes, crocheting. She goes back and forth between wanting to see dad and not. She's had a pretty traumatic life already with mental issues. We need wisdom. Not sure how she will respond to seeing dad in such bad shape. Dad is definitely a fighter. Dad's whole life was about mom and loving her the best he knew how.

Pray for us. The Lord keeps bringing Psalm 23 to me. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of deep darkness, I fear no harm; for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. I can go on. Pray we all know the comfort of our Father and fear not. Let us run to Him as He continues to chase us with His goodness and lovingkindness all the days of our life.

Yes, at this time. We need you to physically be our hands and feet. Thank you for your witness to my family. It's powerful. I know God is accomplishing His work.

Please listen to Him and ask Him how to pray. He knows best.

Matt 11:28 "Come to me who are weary and heavy laden. And I will give you rest," said Jesus.

amy for the family.

>>>>>>>>>> ******<<<<<<<<<<

My Dad's hard work ethic and will to live fought in this *physical condition from 2008 until his passing in 2013.  He is now in Heaven free from the chains of a broken body & failing mind. 

Taken Nov 2008

...another time I shall elaborate on his zest for life and talk of the beautiful lasting impact he had on this world..

As I reflect on my Dad's life I feel soo blessed to be his daughter!!

Until then..

This is why I am Walking to End Alzheimer's.

To walk...to make a donation..to volunteer.. Please visit.. 

alz.org

Note: If you would like to make a donation, I am registered as a 'walker' as Jean Poynter and I would be incredibly thankful for a donation of any amount.  There are soo many families affected by Alzheimers and dementia that could benefit from the efforts and services provided by The Alzheimer's Association.

*he suffered a brain injury in his left frontal lobe (which responsible for speech & emotion), his pelvis was shattered, severe loss of muscle control, among other traumatic injuries to the body.