As Mom and Asa head off on another walk singing a happy song, I can’t help but smile and think of Grandpa. Grandpa always hummed when he walked. In fact, as a puppy I was convinced that he couldn’t walk without singing a tune. And boy did Grandpa know a lot of tunes! He was an instrumental music teacher, who took great pride in teaching the youngest of students how to play their first notes, and directing the high school marching band during many fall football games. Grandpa shared his musical talents with more than just students. He entertained countless people playing with the community band, and Mom remembers how beautiful his trumpet sounded during religious services at Grandma’s church.
Yet as time went on Alzheimer’s robbed Grandpa of his ability to play music. As it became difficult to teach his students, he found a way to continue sharing his love of music by teaching simpler lessons on the recorder. Then as time progressed, his beloved trumpet also became too difficult as well. Yet he never lost his love of music. Whether it was classical, jazz, big band, or even the occasional heavy metal, pop, and jam bands, Grandpa would always react with a smile and tap along with the rhythm. Sometimes he’d even let out a loud “YEAH!” to a particularly good piece of music. When Mom hears good music, she can still hear Grandpa’s “YEAH!” echoing in her ears, and she fondly remembers Grandpa taking her to her first rock concerts. Grandpa didn’t always approve of the lyrics, but he sure appreciated the musicianship that went into those concerts. Today his happy tunes continue to be a soundtrack to our walks. Music also brings tears to Mom’s eye as she remembers sitting in that hospice room seven years ago, listening to some of Grandpa’s favorite CDs, as she said her goodbyes.
Normally we share information about fundraising events that support animals. Whether it be rescues or shelters, pet food pantries, 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 autumn thousands of people across the country will be participating in 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 Mom and 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.
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! Please walk so that other dogs don’t have to say the long goodbye to their Grandpa, and can continue to hear their happy songs. To learn more and find help as a caregiver visit ALZ.org.
