Tuesday, January 20, 2009

January 20

is certainly an historic day isn't it. We just watched the inauguration on television and it was quite a site. I don't care what party affiliation you are, I think it was moving. My son and daughter-in-law were lucky enough to get into the Newseum a few blocks from the capitol to watch in the warmth. Several of the news groups have been broadcasting from there including CNN. I also have some friends that had tickets and I'm anxious to see there photos.

I wanted to follow up on some other fronts. I have written about my friend Josh who was injured in Afghanastan. He is now stateside and has had several more surgeries for his wounds. He is scheduled for another surgery on Thursday. Keep him in your prayers and thoughts please. If you would like an address for Josh please leave a comment for me with your email address and I will send you more info. I promise not to publish your email address.

Yeseterday I spoke to a gentleman in the Atlanta area that is going through the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. He is close to a final diagnosis and has been going through all the "alphabet soup" tests we go through for this disease. He is waiting his appointment for a neuro-pysch test which is usually one of the last things to have done. I wish him well -- he is trying to fight this the best he can. He also has a blog. It's address is www.wheretobud.blogspot.com if you want to check it out. I hope to be communicating with him more and staying in touch with his situation.

Monday March 9 is Alzheimer's Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol. If you are reading this and live in Georgia we need to you to come to Atlanta to be a special part of this day. For more information go to http://www.alz.org/georgia/in_my_community_education.asp We want at least 500 people there advocating on our behalf, so please come out. Kathy Simpson at the state office is organizing this day and she is doing a great job. Please come out if you can.

March 23-25 Public Policy Forum -- Washington DC -- Please consider taking a look at attending this year's public policy forum in Washington DC. I have been several years and it is very enlightening. It is important that those with the disease be heard and families also have a voice. There will be many people speaking at the conference that have Alzheiemer's and it is also a way to learn about what is happening with research, funding and public policy. For more information go to http://www.alz.org/publicpolicyforum/09/overview.asp If you want to register please talk to one of the meeting planners as those with the disease may be able to get a special dispensation. On March 23rd there will be an Early Stage Summit which is especially for people with dementia. Several of the sessions during the meeting will also include a speaker living with Alzheimer's so that perspective will be integrated in the discussions.

Still Alice I've spoken about this book for awhile now. It is now #5 on the New York Times Best Seller list. It can be found in your local bookstores as well as Wal-Mart. Don't miss this book. Author Lisa Genova's account of Alzheimer's in a young professor hits the nail on the head. It's a must read. Side note: -- Lisa will be one of the speakers at the Public Policy Forum in March.

I apologize for not blogging more recently. I've had a lot to do and when I get busy at home it is hard for me to put my thoughts together enough to sit down and write. I have a few trips planned over the next few days so it will be next week before there are any more entries. Thanks for your comments -- I enjoy hearing from everyone.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Update

Since posting the entry below I have had several inquiries as to how to contact Josh. I have learned this morning that it is possible that he will be leaving Germany possibly as early as Tuesday to head state side. It is not known yet where he will be sent for further medical treatment. When I have that information I will pass it along. Thanks for all your concern, thoughts and prayers.

Slow Start to the New Year

This week has been slow. That's good because I had a lot to catch up on and to get back to my routine. I feel like I am a little more settled than I was over the holidays.

I received news this week that my friend Josh -- who has been mentioned here in my blog several times and who is serving in Afghanastan was injured this week in the line of duty. His unit was targeted by a suicide bomber. Several in his unit were injured and they also lost two soldiers. Josh has had three surgeries so far and will be facing more in the coming months. We are thankful he is alive. Right now he is in Germany but is hoping to be transported back to the United States soon. He took shrapnel in the pelvis and his right leg. In addition his right arm is shattered, his right ear drum is shattered and he has first degree burns on his face and parts of his body. Please keep Josh in your thoughts and prayers as well as all of those that serve us in the military. Josh was home at Thanksgiving and I posted a photo of him on this site. Josh worked for me several years ago and is about the same age as my son. I kind of like to think of him as a surrogate son but I'm not sure he would look at it that way! Please keep him in your prayers.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

New Beginnings

Every year brings new beginnings.
The gym was packed yesterday with everyone beginning on their fitness routines
Weight Watchers was packed on Saturday with everyone beginning a new diet
Our University Town suddenly got busy again with students beginning a new semester
My daughter-in-law began a new job
In a few weeks there will be a new beginning for a new president

I'm sure you can count my new beginnings surrounding you as well. I think I look at each day as a new beginning -- it is certainly better than looking at it as a doomed ending.

On another note -- I've written about this book before Still Alice. Today, author Lisa Genova had this book released by a new publisher and if you haven't read it you should. When I read it, it was my life -- I couldn't believe how accurate a portrayal this was for a fiction book about someone with Early On-Set Alzheimer's. Go to your local books store and get it if you can. If it isn't on your shelf this week it will be soon. If you want to learn more about this disease read this book --it's an easy read.
It is a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick for Winter 2009
It is an Indie Next Pick for January
Target Book Club Pick for February
Borders Book Club Pick for February
Good Read Pick for March in Australian Women's Weekly
Here's an article about it and Alzheimer's in today's Buffalo News:
http://www.buffalonews.com/494/story/541205.html