The Way Out

Tonight I stood in the church kitchen helping to prepare dinner for hungry people. One of the volunteers was missing. She had called the day before to tell me she had been diagnosed with IDC. That is breast cancer. The cook looked at me and said, "I would rather have that than Alzheimer's disease. If you have cancer you either respond to treatment or you die. That has to be better than losing your mind to Alzheimer's disease and being a burden."

The thought of Alzheimer's or early onset dementia just scares me to death. I have seen what a toll the disease takes on both the patient and the families. However, I know a woman who was diagnosed but is now on a drug therapy that has brought her back from the edge.

I need to learn more about how to prevent these things and stay in the pool.

Alzheimer's Association

www.alz.org Everything you need to know about Alzheimer's and dementia.

Generations

I find that staying active is having a beneficial effect. I feel better. I move better. I am enjoying the companionship of interesting and compassionate people in the pool. My class I attend has participants for the age of 54 to 90. I am amazed at see how active some of the people are well into their 80's and even 90. They have survived cancer, knee and hip replacements, back surgeries, and the ups and downs of life. They have a very positive attitude. Staying active helps the mind and the body. They are an amazing and inspiring group.

As we water-walk in the deep end of the pool, I look to the shallow end and see the other end of the spectrum. The swim babies and toddlers classes are taking place. Now we have from six months to 90 together enjoying the water. I look at the perfect skin and exuberance of the little ones and I think about how quickly we pass through the stages of life. Seeing the future meeting the past in the pool gives me joy.

There may be more wrinkles and scars in the deep end but there is a joy and delight similar to the little ones. When you reach a certain age you begin to appreciate each day and every joy it brings. There is smiling, conversation and laughter in the deep while in the shallow end squeals of delight ring out. The very young and the older swimmers both seem to appreciate the day equally as well.

A New Begining

I have recently retired after teaching in the inner city for 36 years. I faced retirement with a good deal of fear. What would I do? Would I be bored? Will I still have friends? After being part of a school based community for so many years my future was not to be dictated by the ringing of bells or the school year calender. Freedom can be intimidating.

I have found a new pool of friends. We are all in the pool together, aging, living, talking, and sharing rich life experiences. Their stories of keeping their heads above water while swimming through the last stages of life is what this blog is all about.