Weaving Nature into Our Life with Dementia

This morning, I was having writer’s block, wondering which story to share with you today, so I laced up my running shoes, and went for a run to clear my mind.

It isn’t long before I am feeling my body and mind relaxing– bald eagles flying overhead, chipmunks with flag-like tails, scampering across the road, and mule deer causing mini rock slides, scrambling up the bank. I am feeling free and peaceful, when all of a sudden a snake slithers in the tall grasses beside me. I suddenly feel shivers-not because I am deathly afraid of snakes, but I am recognizing the ‘whisper’ for my post today.

This snake, quickly hiding in the bushes, is very different from his cousin, I saw about 5 minutes ago. His green and yellow-striped relative was lying peacefully in the middle of the road, basking in the glorious heat of the day; it didn’t matter that I might step on him, or a truck could flatten him in an instant.

Thinking about the difference between the snakes reminds me of how Dave is choosing to deal with his dementia. I am grateful that Dave is not ashamed or angry over his diagnosis, and that he has this amazing ability to soak up life, despite his challenges. He understands his driving privileges will be taken away soon, yet he appreciates the independence, for now. Every time he drives to town, he knows that he won’t recognize most of the people who say hi to him; or that it takes him longer to find items in the grocery store.

Dave is teaching me the meaning of courage, but more importantly, he is showing me how extraordinary life is when I live from a place of honesty and authenticity. Even though Dave isn’t the same person he was a few years ago, he doesn’t worry about what people might say or think about him. I have spent 55 years living according to ‘shoulds’ and taking on other people’s rules and beliefs. I have to tell you, it is extremely liberating to be finally peeling away some of these false layers. I will not fool you… I still have work to do before I reach Dave’s level, but I am grateful for him showing me the way.

As Dave and I journey along this unfamiliar road with dementia, I am hoping that our stories and lessons will encourage people hiding at home, ashamed of being less than their ‘perfect’ self, to leave their safe shelter, and begin shining their own light again. All of us have unparalleled beauty, regardless of our physical, emotional or mental state, that we should be sharing with the world. Dave is a wonderful example.

Tags: courage, dementia, Overcoming Dementia

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