Alzheimer's Awareness Month 2025

Ray's Story

“Joyce was a loving a wife and our door was always open. We comforted and encouraged many people during our time together. Joyce fed countless people at our table. She was also a wonderful stay-at-home mom to our two boys. We did everything together and we were criticized more than once for being joined at the hip. A special memory that I cherish is sitting on a park bench while holding hands with Joyce at a lighthouse in Goderich as we watched the sunsets.

Somebody wrote a book called The Long Goodbye, and that says it best. It was a 10-year goodbye with Joyce. A broken mind is a whole new experience, and a long learning curve, but I was committed to love and care for Joyce to the end, no matter what. No amount of time and money is too much because one day you will be faced with the question, ‘Did I do enough?’ I said I do in July of 1960, and I meant it. I could manage the extra time to take care of Joyce, but the stress can wear you and the family down.

I contacted all the organizations that you would normally think of. From firsthand experience, the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent was nothing short of wonderful from first contact until Joyce passed away. The Personal Support Worker had a special connection with Joyce that I cannot explain. Our son Randy said one day, ‘Dad, did you see the look on Mom’s face when talking with the PSW? There is something really special. Mom has a connection with her that I have never seen.’

The Alzheimer Society was my lifeline through it all. They were there all the time and every step of the way with words of wisdom, love and care. I could not ask for more. I would not have survived without the Alzheimer Society.”

Linda's Story

“All Ken ever wanted was to get married and have children. We have 4 children and now 7 grandchildren, who mean the world to him. We met 48 years ago at a restaurant in Sarnia, Ontario, where we were fired from our jobs as it was against policy for staff to fraternize. We continued dating and married 5 years later. We spent most of our holidays with the kids at a family cottage, but we always made time to have our own mini vacation to celebrate our anniversary each year.

Ken is an avid hockey lover and has spent many hours at the ice rink, watching his son play hockey and then his grandson. Just ask him about the Montreal Canadians, his all-time favourite hockey team. He will be sure to give you all the stats! Ken also enjoyed music, dancing, sports of any kind, going for long walks, and yard work. His journey with dementia has been a gradual one, until recently where we've noticed many changes. Many days he spends inside his head, in the confusion of what is past and present. In his moments of clarity, we still see the man who loves to make others laugh. We hold on tight to the moments.

As a family, the biggest adjustment we have faced has been watching Ken lose the ability to participate fully in all the things he enjoys. Each day brings new challenges, new obstacles and new ways to ensure his safety and happiness. Any advice we could offer is to always try and be patient, to love and appreciate the small moments, and to hold on to the memories. Most importantly, never forget the love you share. Ken is still a husband, a father, and a papa. And no diagnosis can change that.

The Alzheimer Society has been amazing for Ken. He attends the Day Program in Chatham where he can be himself. He looks forward to his meetings and has even said he feels like he has friends there. They have supported our family as well. Any question or concern we have is met with understanding and compassion. The world needs more people like the staff and volunteers at the Alzheimer Society. They have helped make this journey a little less lonely, and for that we are extremely grateful.”

Deb's Story

Coming January 30, 2025!