Thanks for the comments, they're an insight into Mom's sphere of influence and to the reach of her love. I'll print them all out and read them to her tomorrow.
Sara's CJD journey
Mom in June of 2007
Blog Archive
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2009
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July
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- The Newspaper's Notice
- July 26, 2009
- My brother is my hero
- No5
- Lady Godiva
- More Pictures From Max Visits His Nana
- Max visits his Nana
- Talking About the Present
- Grandchild Number Six
- Thanks for the comments, they're an insight into M...
- Talking Book
- Music, Spanish and a Puzzle
- Hospice and the CJD Helpline
- Oranges, a Sweetness so Tart
- Piece of Paper
- Fruit Crisp on the Fourth
- Like This and Like That
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July
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Followers
What is CJD?
From http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cjd/detail_cjd.htm
What is Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease?
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder. It affects about one person in every one million people per year worldwide; in the United States there are about 200 cases per year. CJD usually appears in later life and runs a rapid course. Typically, onset of symptoms occurs about age 60, and about 90 percent of patients die within 1 year. In the early stages of disease, patients may have failing memory, behavioral changes, lack of coordination and visual disturbances. As the illness progresses, mental deterioration becomes pronounced and involuntary movements, blindness, weakness of extremities, and coma may occur.
To Sara and all her family,
ReplyDeleteI wish all of you cherished moments and days and nights of comfort & sweet dreams during this life's journey of a remarkable Renaissance, Pioneer,yet Modern woman. Some of my favorite photos you've posted are of Sara with her straw hat in the garden and with the dogs as she loves the outdoors and animals! I recall that Sara loves the four seasons as each season was the beginning of some wonderful adventure (skiing,boating, hiking,sightseeing,
etc). Her tolerance for frigid winter days and nights in the Northeast always amazes me and most New Yorkers, although she did break down and buy a fur coat (that looked positively regal on her). Despite a winter storm with most roads yet cleared, Sara was determined to attend the Saint Patrick's Day parade and so she drove(or plowed) the highways to NYC only to stop once to replace the windshield wipers which were frozen!!Despite poor road conditions, we were able to make a portion of the gubernatorial event at a hotel nearby, stop by St. Patrick's Cathedral and watch some of the parade to all of our delights!
Sara's love of animals is well-known as she has a great rapport and kindred spirit, especially with dogs. Ivan was a character with plenty of mischief and he and Pirate (my beloved greyhound) were similar in disposition and once both enjoyed hanging out with us one night as she and I ate outdoors at a nearby restaurant and toasted in celebration of her State Director position. They're now in heaven together until we meet again. I was so glad that Ivan recovered from his injuries and got a kick out of them traveling cross-country together when she left New York to live in Oregon. Her pioneer nature was real and yet is was so right and deserved that towards the end of her travels that she rewarded herself by checking in for a few days at a four star hotel.
Please let Sara know that I'm thinking of her often and wishing her good days and nights and great times with family, friends, and pets. And convey that the summer season has again commenced in Saratoga, with ballet, music, and horses. A moose even found its way on the track a few weeks ago and I only wish I knew how to capture the newsphoto! She especially enjoyed Saratoga with breakfast at the track watching the horses work out,the horse auction where one milled about, saw great sculptures and paintings, and could get up close to the horses and marvel at their final bid price. And it is only fitting and to Sara's liking I'm sure that a phenomenal filly named Rachel Alexandra (who already won one of the Triple Crowns) is going to compete with the male horses in one of the major races.
In closing, while I've not stayed in touch in recent years, I would love a miracle for a grand lady and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.