This blog will have a lot in common with dementia.
- It will be, at times, contradictory.
- Full of surprises.
- Fast, and slow. Calm and frenetic, hopeless and hopeful.
- There will be good days, there will be bad days.
- But I’ve learned that beneath it all is a strong and beautiful story seeping through the cracks.
- Of love, and triumph, and the most unbelievable selflessness you’ve ever experienced.
- Of being healed by healing, of patience, of faith.
So this is your blog Valium. The place to escape the assisted living facilities, the anxiety, the guilt, the memory care residences, the hospitals, the parenting of your parent, the absolute, utter powerlessness.
And instead?
Experience acceptance, gratitude, and laughing your ass off about the ridiculous things that happen in this life we’ve been dealt.
I’d say I’m glad you’re here, but that wouldn’t do justice to how I feel about this project.
Learning to laugh has quite literally saved my life.
My hope is that it leaves you feeling peaceful, strong, rejuvenated — cured momentarily by laughter — lighter — surrounded by friends who know what you’re going through — and most importantly, ready to go another day.
Because sometimes that’s all we need, isn’t it? The strength and courage to face just one more day.
And as Annie Lamott (I can call her that because in my heart we’re friends) would say: “Hope is expensive, but what’s the alternative?”
At One Brave Cowgirl:
- We laugh.
- We retrain our brain to better cope with dementia.
- We know dementia sucks, but we’re up to the task.
- We get help. We help others.
There are all sorts of clichés out there about laughter being the best medicine, laughter healing all wounds, etc. etc. – but you know it’s true. And if you don’t, stick with me. I promise I’ll make you at least snicker. Or guffaw. Or maybe just snort a bit, or even smile. And if not, then maybe you’ll learn even one thing that makes it easier to cope with dementia. There’s no cure – but there is hope. As Erma Bombeck once said “Laughter rises out of tragedy when you need it the most, and rewards you for your courage.” I don’t know about you, but I could use some courage. And if laughing makes me brave, then sign me up.
