There’s a crisp feeling of fall in the air today. Autumn was Grandpa’s favorite time of year. On that first crisp fall weekend, Grandpa would load the family up in the car and take them in search of the colorful leaves. Mom fondly recalls these roadtrips to the mountains and seacoast, and how excited Grandpa would get over the “foilage.” He never did pronounce foliage correctly, but that’s ok. That’s what added to the specialness of this time of year.
There were traditions like the country fair, where Grandpa couldn’t resist the homemade stuffed animals. Grandma still has the calico goose, corduroy dog, and of course countless teddy bears that he bought under the guise that they were for her, knowing full well he liked them because they reminded him of the ones his mother made. And Mom remembers how boring she thought Grandpa was in his insistence on eating plain old fashion doughnuts, with no frosting, sprinkles, or even sugar, when there were so many other treats to be had at this fair. Today she savors each bite of a plain doughnut.
Six years ago, little did Grandma, Mom and our Uncle realize it would be in the fall when they’d have to say goodbye to Grandpa, after his brave battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Mom’s eyes still well up with tears as she recalls that final week with Grandpa in hospice. It was an unusually warm week for late October in New England, and the leaves outside that hospice window were vibrant with color. Oh how she wished Grandpa could have opened his eyes just one last time during that week to look at his beloved “fall foilage.”
Normally at Living with a Golden we share information about fundraising events that support animals. Whether it be rescues or shelters, service dogs, or even the occasional cat cause, Asa and I are strong believers in lending a helping paw. But today we’d like to share with you a fundraiser that directly affects our family, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
This fall thousands of people across the country will be participating in virtual and in-person walks to support the important mission of the Alzheimer’s Association, to raise funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. So whether you choose to gather with others, or prefer to take a quiet walk in a place of personal meaning like we will do with Grandma, we ask that you consider registering. There is no fee to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, but participants are encouraged to donate so that through your support we can raise awareness of this disease while contributing to advances in research and care, and help other Grandpas and Grandmas enjoy autumn with their families.
To learn more about this fundraising effort, find an in-person walk near you anywhere across the country, register for your virtual walk, or to make a donation, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I’d also like to take a moment here to thank the Alzheimer’s Association for helping our Grandma every step of the way in finding the resources and support our family needed to help care for Grandpa in his courageous battle over the years. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s Disease!
