Fine Thank You

Most often, when I am out running errands, I run into family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances. They always ask after Gregory. "How is Gregory doing?"

I find that I do not know how to answer or at least there is no easy answer. I am pleased that they care and I always tell Gregory, "So and So asked after you." It pleases him to know people said "Hi!"

But how to answer? I usually go into my "On a scale of horrible to horrible it is terrible … but we are doing well, adjusting, and enjoying life as much as we can. We have so much to be grateful for." I explain that Gregory is still pretty independent, goes for long walks, and swims. I give them a few examples of how the Alzheimer's plays out just so they do not think that our life is all wonderful.

Soon (fingers crossed) I'll be able to anwser by saying, "You'll have to read the book." Haven't heard from LaChance Publishers yet but then again the manuscript has only been with them for two months and that is no time at all in the publishing world. Have I mentioned my idea for the title? GYROSCOPE: An Alzheimer's Love Story. I selected the concept because a gyroscope can spin wildly out of control but keep its balance … and it is a love story. Will keep you posted.

Difficult Decisons

Difficult decisions. I asked Gregory if he wanted to read my manuscript. This is the 140 page manuscript of my memoirs (if I can be so pompous to use that term) about Gregory and my experiences over the last seven years since his diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. It has been sent to LaChance Publishing per their request to see my work.


There is nothing in the essays, observations, comments, dream descriptions, or poetry that Gregory does not know about but very often Alzheimer's "protects" the recipient with a buffer from remembering many of the difficulties and changes that take place over time. Also, I freely share my thoughts and feelings in my writings, many of which I do not share with Gregory not wanting him to needlessly feel sad because I feel sad.


Since the story is also his, how could I not at least ask him if he wanted to read it. And he chose to. In fact he is sitting at the kitchen counter, with a cup of coffee, reading it as I type this. I'll let you know how it goes. Meanwhile, please take a minute to leave a comment. It doesn't have to be anything special, just let me know that you have been here. Comment information is at the top of the blog and colored lavender. Thanks.

Manuscript

Today, after close to a month of working with my editor Karen Schindler, I sent my manuscript off to the publisher who requested a look at it. The title of the work, at least in my head, is GYROSCOPE: An Alzheimer's Love Story. The title is based on the scientific instrument, a gyroscope, which can spin in circles while maintaining its balance. That is what my live has been like since Gregory's diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease in 2003

Through essays, observations, dreams, poetry, and selected quotations I tell the story of Gregory and my situation. Hopefully this upbeat positive work, when published, will help others involved with loving someone with Alzheimer's feel confirmed, supported, and a little less lonely.

I must say that I am a little down right now at having gone through my recent life at least three times. Once experiencing it, twice writing about it over the last seven years, thrice with the process of editing and proofreading it quite a number of times before considering it ready to send. Not an easy task.

My hopes are up but not my expectations. The manuscript is created and delivered, the rest is up to the publisher. At least for now...