Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Seeing Purple.....


No, NOT the MN Vikings......


For the last 6 months I have been involved on the committee for the Memory Walk. So, last Saturday morning was the BIG event here in Central MN! With just under 600 walkers, and a BEAUTIFUL fall day, there were alot of families that came together to walk in memory or in honor of a loved one!


I had the best job of all..........photographer! As much as I would love to, I am not able to post any photos, as they are for the Alzheimer's Organization! When I think back to the day, this adorable little couple comes to mind. A man and woman guessed to be in there early 80's started out the walk by her pushing him in a wheelchair. The confused look on his face spoke volumes about the disease. However, when I went to the end of the walk to take photos, there they both were walking side by side and HAND IN HAND. -that is the only way one can get through this nasty disease........side by side and hand in hand.


Do you know someone who has been affected by Alzheimer's or dementia? If so, I challenge you to reach out to them and their family.......walk beside them........and hold their hands when they need it!!!


Saturday morning I got Josh outta bed and told him he was going to come with me to be my "assistant". He was a great help, but more than anything.......when we got in the van to come home, he said "mom, that was a fun morning". Coming from an almost 15 year old about spending the morning with mostly elderly, that was HUGE!


5 comments:

Jen Martakis said...

What a wonderful experience. I can imagine how touching it all was. Very cool that your teenage son could be a part.

Becky Heisler said...

Melissa that is so fantastic that you are doing this! And it's so importanto ur your children to see us being a part of something liket this !You are awesome!

Lucy Chesna said...

thats awesome Melissa. My grandfather has this disease and its hard to see hime like this so thank you for doing this

Nolan said...

Sister, you are amazing. That is so awesome you did this, cuz we know some of the challenges this disease poses. And josh, u da man...these events are so rewarding and fulfilling. Just like your mom said to walk hand in hand, we all need to come together and do just that for those who are in need and i think at the age of 15 you are awesome to walk hand in hand with your mom and support this disease. So proud of both of you, it brings tears to my eyes.
Lovin you,
Sara

Lissie and Chris said...

What a great moment for you and Josh. You have such a big heart and it's great that your son got to experience and enjoy the day.

Sending lots of hugs your way...