Momentum
A speaking expert once said,
“If you’re 70 years old,
your parent has passed from Alzheimer’s
and you’ve been diagnosed with it also,
take the medications offered.”
I was close to 70
My dad had passed from AD
And I’d just heard the words
I never expected to hear—
“You have early on-set Alzheimer’s.”
My thought … Golly Gee Whiz!
or more to truth is … shit-oh-dear!
(Can I even say that in here?!)
Cannot simply sit back
and let this thing happen!
I need to fight—
Hard and gutsy to see.
Need to share my story,
combined with yours.
Communication is key!
Not any expert,
just plain ole’ Nan-cy.
Never owned the first title
and then I get a second one.
Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Not owning it either.
I won’t hush up.
Sit down.
Or, be still.
No-o-o Can Do!
What we need is
some faith,
lotsa hope, and
that each person is allowed dignity
—folks living with dementia,
their loving care partners,
family, and friends.
The numbers are mounting!
Strings of faith and hope
transcend farther
than our eyes can see
the mind can track
or the voices can be heard.
It is the unseen tie that binds
it’s a feeling of inclusion
the nod of approval
acceptance for where we are
and who we are becoming.
Kindly hear …
nothing about us,
without us.
We are worthy to be heard.
It’s far better than being an anchor
thrown overboard,
sinking deep,
gulping for air,
in need of substantial care,
feeling alone and lonely,
just waiting for someone else
to pull us up.
Instead … let’s
reframe and reimagine
our own individual personal spaces
by daring to “do” dementia different.
…
by becoming a collective body
to reckon with.
Create intention.
Set a declaration
with a sparkle, a smile
and open arms
for there is power in words,
a willingness to engage change.
One inquisitive ear
begets another
nationally,
internationally.
Gathering momentum is …
what we want.
what we need.
what we believe.
what we can achieve.
Together in 2023.
By Nancy Nelson