Vanessa and Ginger just lost their mother Virginia, to Alzheimer’s and complications. Virginia and I had become friends over the three some decades Vanessa and I have been married. The Long Goodbye is never pleasant for anyone. In any case… Walk To End Alzheimer’s… click on this link and help our team… Team Baer! Below is what the sisters wrote on the site:
Sunday, October 16, 2022, 12:30 p.m.
Support our team for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
We have all stories about our parents and the lives they lived. One of the things about Alzheimer’s is that everyone is forced to stop and take in that life that fades over time. Watching our mother whose memory was as sharp as a tack at one time lose herself to this disease was my biggest challenge as a daughter. Memories become miracles, and the loss of motor skills becomes an opportunity to create joyful experiences like art therapy, and music therapy even if they are short-lived. Time becomes more precious than you could imagine. Watching my mother embrace her ability to play harmonica was so poignant but yet we all found joy in listening to her. Her harmonica became her best friend in a sense as it unfolded keys to her life for us as her daughters.
For years Alzheimer’s care has been a helping hand for patients and families. Now it is an honor to be there for them. Won’t you join us? Your commitment can help create more memory care facilities and opportunities for Alzheimer’s patients and families like ours.
-Vanessa Kaukonen and Ginger Gagne
Of course any help whatsoever will be greatly appreciated!
Jorma
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.
My mom had the Long Goodbye disease. She used to say that her “forgettery” was better than her “memory”. Now, my wife has early-onset dementia with some Alz characteristics. We’re spending a lot of time together, now.
We can’t depend on the gov’t always funding the needs of this increasing population, every little helps. Thanks, Vanessa and Ginger, for your advocacy. m
Lost my Dad to that terrible disease about 10 years ago,he was 84..Then lost my mother in law just this past year..Seeing such strong and great people go that way is so sad. May Virginia Rest In Peace…