Many of you know I have three sisters. This is my SpecialSister, Pat. If you've been reading the blog long you know that Pat has Down Syndrome and that Pat now also suffers from Alzheimer's Disease. There is a very high correlation between the two. Our family didn't really know this until last year. We knew "the plan". We knew our mama's prayer that she and Pat pass at the same time. We knew that if Pat outlived our parents or their ability to care for her, she would live with the OldestSister. The one born fifteen months before her that had always shared a special bond with her. We knew that the other two sisters would provide love and respite. We didn't know that life would disregard "the plan". We didn't know this heartbreaking and gut wrenching disease. We didn't know how quickly it would storm in and rock our world.
November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month in the United States. The ribbon color for AD is purple, very fitting as purple is Pat's favorite color. This month when you see my purple nails they won't be a testament to my love for the ECU Pirates and those Saturday football games. They will be a testament to my love for Pat.
Throughout the month I will be sharing Alzheimer's facts and stories with you, I'll also be sharing Pat stories. She has blessed so many people in her 58 years, I think you deserve to be blessed by her too. If someone you love has suffered or is suffering from this cruel disease I invite you to share a cherished story about them. I would love to offer my blog as a place for you to acknowledge their place in your heart and share a photo or two if you like. If you're interested email me at neusebrats{at}aol{dot}com.
Looking forward to the Pat stories.
ReplyDeleteRinda
So am I, our family has also been affected by AD.
ReplyDeleteMy FIL had AD.....and it had a major effect on his family.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more about Pat.
ReplyDeleteHi Beverly ~ Thank you for sharing this on your blog. I am so happy that you can use this format to help spread the word about Alzheimer's, and I'm also glad that we will be learning more about your sweet sister, Pat. I don't know much about Alzheimer's myself, so I'll look forward to reading your posts this month (as always). xo
ReplyDeleteOh Beverly, what a lovely post, and a lovely idea. I am looking forward to getting to know Pat better xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post - I'm really looking forward to reading Pat's stories.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea. How sad that Alzheimer's disproportionately affects those with Down's. I've not been personally affected, but I know it causes such heartache - for everyone, including the sufferers themselves.
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