Yesterday, one of my favorite authors, Terry Pratchett, announced that he has early-onset Alzheimer's. (screenprint of announcement) Honestly I think I cried harder over that than I did my father's diagnosis. You know why? Because now I KNOW. With my dad, I didn't know. I knew only what I now call "Hollywood Alzheimer's" (like in The Notebook), which was a sad, gentle thing, with moments of total lucidity and memory recall. Now I know the truth--the confusion, the frustration, the fear, the violence, how it feels when your father looks at you with no recognition and says "Why are you here?"
Terry Pratchett, being a funny and upbeat sort of guy, doesn't seem overly upset at the news. In his announcement, he says, "We are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism....Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet :o)" He concludes with, "I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should be interpreted as 'I am not dead'. I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as will everybody else. For me, this maybe further off than you think - it's too soon to tell."
I have read about half of his Discworld books and own about a quarter of them. They are wonderful, funny and entertaining. My hope for him, if I'm allowed to hope for him, is that as the disease progresses, he thinks he lives there in Ankh-Morpork and forgets this world, rather than vice versa.
What a terrible fate to befall someone who has delighted so many people.
2 comments:
wow, this is a powerful story--I just happened upon it and have been enjoying reading your account of your father's decline. I wanted to bring your attention to a new book that I've co-authored with Dr. Peter Whitehouse, a neurologist at Case Western Reserve University, called "The Myth of Alzheimer's: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Diagnosis" (St Martin's Press, 2008). The book will be released on Jan. 8th, and we're developing a website at the moment (www.themythofalzheimers.com), as well. It is a book for many audiences, but especially for caregivers and others who have been personally affected by the condition. Would be interested in your opinion, and much obliged if you'd even think of blogging your response and posting a link to your site. Once our blog is up and running I will most certainly post about your site. my email is dgeorge2844@gmail.com if you'd like to contact me. I wish you a happy, if solemn holiday, and an auspicious start to the new year. take care
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your personal story, your insights and your emotions surrounding your father's illness and death. I am finding solace in your writings as my family and I are struggling with what is most likely end stages of my Mother's dementia. God bless you and your family and I am sorry for your loss. -CS in Massachusetts
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