(Music by Terry Smith)
My Heroes
It is with great honor I present my heroes who have fought, or are fighting, the battles of dementia. Some have fought and lost the war, others are still fighting. This site is in honor of my biggest hero, my mom, and in tribute to the others who have touched my life and the lives of each of their loved ones.
My mom, who always proudly introduced herself as, "My husband is a preacher".
She will be 80 years old, God willing, July 28th 2009. She resides in assisted living for Alzheimer's patients.
Mom's only brother who, like their mother and at least one other sibling,is a victim of Alzheimer's. He continues to reside with his wife who is his tireless and loving caregiver. Please pray for my Aunt Saundra and their family.
IN MEMORY
My maternal grandmother, Mammaw Boruff, who was a victim of what would eventually become known as Alzheimer's. Due to there being no Alzheimer's facilities in the late 1960's, she had to be placed in a state hospital. As her disease progressed she became a safety risk to herself and others due to aggressive behaviors. My memories of her are primarily during her illness, so I never knew my real Mammaw, and for that I truly regret. She passed away in 1970. Her children were devastated her last years were robbed by Alzheimer's.
MARTHA MILLER (TINA) BRAUN - age 80, died peacefully at Summit View of Farragut, on December 2, 2007. She was a beautiful lady and had one of the prettiest complexions I have seen. She was Grandmother to my two nephews, Douglas and Nicholas, and Mother to Vicki, Carol, and Jim.
A lady with whom I was honored to share her last name for many years. I loved her very much. Frances was freed from her Parkinson's cage of pain and grief on April 17, 2009.
My Uncle, my Aunt Ima Lee's husband, and my Cousin Brenda's father. Even though he was a victim of dementia, he was a "hoot" almost until the day he died. There is no deeper love than that which he had for his grandson, Mason.
My Aunt Opal, Mom's youngest sibling, who was a victim of Alzheimer's. I can still hear her laughing today and that beautiful smile. She loved life and her family. Aunt Opal passed away in the early 2000's.
This lady was of no blood relations but she might as well have been, as my parents and "Ethel and Big George" were close friends throughout their lives. Like my Aunt Opal, Ethel had a laugh that was contagious and she just made you feel good being around her. Ethel Yardley was a victim of Alzheimers and passed away earlier this year, 2009.
A star of stage, screen, and television.
