Donna’s husband of thirty years had been acting curiously for the past few weeks. Cliff had displayed lapses in memory that were very out of character. They scheduled a meeting with a specialist to see what the problem was and what could be done. Tests were conducted and the doctor promised to call as soon as the results were received. When he called a week later and asked the couple to come in for a second visit, Donna was scared and feared the worst. They entered the doctor’s office and she tell could from the look in his eyes that her fears were justified. Dr. Jamison removed his glasses and spoke directly to Cliff. ‘I’m sorry to say that the tests showed that you have early onset Alzheimer’s disease.’ Donna sobbed and Cliff stared stoically out the window. The doctor said there was no known cure but that newly tested drugs might delay the effects of the disease. Cliff and Donna thanked the physician and spoke little on the drive home. The next two weeks were like living in a fog and Donna could see that Cliff was having a very difficult time. He stayed in his room and slept far longer than ever before. Donna often took long walks in hopes that they would help her deal with emotions she’d never experienced. Today, she prayed to God to give her the strength to stay strong and help Cliff…to be there every moment with love and understanding.
What You’re Saying