Buckle Up~ Dazey has some words.

In the summer of 2017, a dinner conversation turned into a planning session for the years to come. "I think I have Alzheimer's, and I want to change doctors. I would like you to come with me, and we need to make sure you know all of my things, as you are my power of attorney, and it's time to start taking a stronger role."

The conversations that followed were not easy; the years that followed have been a mix of personal growth and discovery, funny, and the unexplained. The things that work, the things that fail. The need to do right by the one whose statement was quoted above ~as needed, for as long as allowed. Those who know, know. Those who 'think' they know...I don't give a rats ass. I'm not here for it.

I violated the rules established during the early years of realistic expectations just once. The rules of "don't defend, don't explain, then walk away: keep me safe. X will do... Z may do... V will do..." on and on, the conversations continued. A remarkably intelligent and loyal person foresaw how everything would unfold: the good and the tragic, the humorous and the chaotic. I believed it was to help the others, breaking the "rules and regulations" set forth. I intended to share, explain, and attempt to mend everything that was broken long before I was even conceived, as I am only 50 years old, and this story began 67 years ago. The tragic events of one significant day altered the course of events forever.

Adaptation for this brilliant mind was masterful. Fight or flight. 10 years later, and "East Coast, ready or not, here I come." Just like that summer, and that conversation...

2025 is approaching quickly... Get ready, because we're not even halfway through, and both are moving full speed ahead, seemingly over a 4-6 month span... The gap between each journey is narrowing, and it's anyone's guess who will maintain the lead. "This is not the speed anyone wants, but ya can't slow it down, and can't fight crazy with logic."

Over the last 8 years, many stories have been shared. Some are retold, while others merge details from different narratives. This mirrors the confusion of short-term memory loss experienced during the 8-year progression of Alzheimer's, which was diagnosed and confirmed years ago. In the initial years, we learned to concentrate on what was important and ignore the trivial. This focus developed into establishing boundaries for mental and physical health. Nowadays, each day is approached on its own, maintaining as much consistency as possible. There is increased awareness and communication. The difference between short-term and long-term memory is noticeable within minutes, and health concerns have escalated rapidly.

Responsibility and obligation—these are the challenges we face, aren't they? Each decade reveals who learned the right actions versus the wrong ones. The way each generation interprets and applies these concepts in real life, particularly in fostering healthy relationships and deriving meaning and value from interactions with others, is remarkably different. Over the centuries, important figures have emerged, shaped by the needs and values of their generations.

Memory loss might seem to place someone in a category of being absent, but that is absolutely NOT TRUE. Those who are infirm are still present. Communication evolves, the methods and reasons change, the focus shifts, and EVERYTHING CHANGES! Yet they remain here, whether they communicate verbally or non-verbally. "Don't ask me, I have Alzheimer's and have no idea, ask ..." "I'm fine, even when I'm not, I am." These are signs! They all have them. "Details and understanding, empathy and communication. Pay attention!!! Routine, consistency, and boundaries!!!! Safe spaces where technology is used for controlled chaos and perceived independence!!!!!"

I am Dazey. My story is complex and layered, much like those of many who came before me and many who will follow. I create space for those who need a listening ear or words of encouragement on the tougher days. I also have a wicked sense of sarcasm and a penchant for blunt truths, and my honesty remains, whether you like it or not. Each journey involves numerous relationships, and depending on the title we hold, our stories become more entangled with the obligations and responsibilities passed down from those who came before us.