I have tried to post this page for quite a while. I didn't want to put it in writing.  I didn't want to just disappear either.  So here goes.....

I have been diagnosed with dementia, alzheimers.  Whoa.....now it is in writing.

For the past few months I have been visiting doctors. A Physcotherapist, a Neurologist, another physcotherapist, a family physician, and tumor specialists.  They have scoped, electrified, radiated, amplified, and drawn half my blood.  Still can't say for sure what they have found out.  There is something going on in the brain, and they want to pinpoint it.  So I get to let them go at it.  The latest possibility is cholesterol in the brain.  Turns out that it doesn't just clog the heart, but can also clog the brain waves.  Who knew?  I can tell this science is still in the exploring stage.  So much to know, so little time.  ; (

I thought that I had written in my blog a couple of times, but somehow, they didn't get on the blog.  I am in South Carolina enjoying nice weather and being with my family.  I have a granddaughter that is the love of my life.  She is full of joy and spunk.  My Grandma would love her to pieces.  I am considering moving my blog to a new place.  It doesn't work as well as it use to....what with the new Windows operating system.  Just a little too different for me.  I am working at it.  Maybe I'll get it down before they design some new thing.  

I am dealing with a very discouraging illness now.  I have been diagnosed with Alzheimers.  I am on meds and doing all I can to fight it.  The are learning more about it every day.  But in the meantime, I really don't have a good short memory.  I am creating a system of stick it notes to remind me what I need to do.  Its not at all fun.

But my family keeps me going, and I love that little grand baby.  And I am looking forward to another grandbaby in a few months.  Yay!  
AND

I plan to plunge into family history, a little at a time.

Can't wait for hurricane season!

Hope

It's bitterly cold here in Spokane.  We are down around 20 degrees.  I am dressed in layers just to be in the house.  But there is no wind, so that makes it all good.  In Kansas the wind would be blowing and the wind chill would be below zero.  I can't complain!  I do have shelter and food.  I hope you do too!

I am thankful for shelter, food and many other things.  I have friends, and I have the gospel in my life.  The gospel gives me peace.  How?  By my knowing that it is true:

1. I will live forever
2. Death is temporary - it is the separation of the body and spirit
3. I will be resurrected- my body and spirit (soul) will come together again, never to be separated.
4. I will see my loved ones again and live with them forever.
5.  I have a loving Heavenly Father who will always be there.

These are the things that keep me happy and hopeful every day.

Halloween fun

I love being at home!  I get to read my scriptures as long as I want.  Then I get dressed and pick the next thing I will do.  I can wash the dishes, sweep the floor, or walk on the treadmill.  Today I started crocheting.  There is something about getting to choose that feels good.  I am even enjoying going through my old papers.  Normally that is a task that I abhor.  I have the hardest time choosing what to keep and what to throw away.  I have saved all the papers I wrote since kindergarten, I guess.  I really need to weed those!  But it is so fun to go back in time.

I have been thinking about my Grandma today.  She liked to have fun, especially on Halloween.  She loved practical jokes and dressing up.

My mom followed in her footsteps by being the witch at Cub Scout Halloween parties.  She'd have a cauldron of dry ice bubbling and she would be stirring it up and making the best witch's cackle I have ever heard.  She had the hat and the long nose and a black cloak all around her.  That's a fun memory for me.

Today is a blog day.  So I will be adding some info about my dementia adventure.

Twists and Turns

Life really takes twists and turns.  I have been working but now I am home and plan to get many things done.  First, I want to get all my photos arranged, saved, etc.  I also started a blog, which tells about my journey with dementia and brain impairment.  Don't know much yet, but I'll get smarter as I go.  hahaha.

Mostly, I want to keep this blog for my kids and family.  This is my diary.  The new blog, entitled "The Gift of Slowing Down" will be for the public.  If I can figure out how to set them up that way.

I am going through papers, organizing stuff, and putting down my memories.  It's a good thing. I've wanted to do it for a long time.  Now I have the time.

I had a wonderful blessing on Sunday.  Jeff administered it and 2 others priesthood holders assisted.  I know that I will be watched over and that I will be safe.

Jeff is working a Vivint now - selling home alarms.  It is good money.  We hope to pay off our school debt, someday.

So, my wonderful family, keep on trucking!  There is a lot to do and little time to do it.  Let's get to it and enjoy the ride.
Love, Kathy