Howie

About 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

It was unexpected, but my memory was already starting to give me trouble. The funny thing is, I had always done lots of crosswords, and people kept telling me it was good for my brain and would help me avoid Alzheimer’s. Well, guess what? I still got Alzheimer’s!

I always said I chose the right profession. As a teacher, my job allowed me to speak, which is therapy for me. Now, when I go to the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, my best therapy is when I make other people laugh and I get to converse with them. The coffee could be better, but I deal with it because my time at the Alzheimer Society makes me feel good.

Recently I had a driving exam and I passed. That makes me proud! It shows that Alzheimer’s hasn’t taken everything away from me.

I live on my own. I have a beer when I feel like it and see my friends. My memory might be bad, but my life isn’t.

I won’t lie, it’s frustrating and I’m a little nervous. But if I’m lucky, I’ll have another 4-5 years of independence…I’m still here!