Keith Oliver Part Eight – ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’

Having taken nearly 2 years to get to this point, today Thursday 18 April 2019 is a significant day for me in my attempt to live with dementia as it marks the publication date of my new book Dear Alzheimer’s. It is now 22 months since I began this project and it is with mixed feelings that I mark this occasion. Excitement, sense of fulfilment, nervous about how the book will be received and grateful for the support of 4 or 5 close allies. Here is the final page from the book…

 

2 December 2018

“Give me…I will”

 Give me myself and I will be me

Give me an ear and I will speak

Give me patience and I will relax

Give me music and my heart will dance

Give me joy and I will laugh

Give me a way and I will follow

Give me a baton and I will share

Give me inspiration and I will excel

Give me teaching and I will learn

Give me truth and I will consider

Give me compassion and I will care

Give me identity and I will shine

Give me attachment and I will engage

Give me occupation and I will be focused

Give me inclusion and I will belong

Give me comfort and I will feel warmth

Give me love and I will thrive

 

There’s the evidence, now please do something with it now.

Thank you

Your “professional friend”

Keith

And then finally just to close:

Why did I write the book? Firstly to confront a personal challenge. Second I see the opportunity to focus in greater depth than previously on my journey with dementia in a way that has not been done before. I hope that it will be useful to a wide range of readers, including professionals, people with dementia and carers, but also the general public. The book will also raise funds for Young Dementia UK. Finally I hope that the book will give hope to those who seek it.

Thank you for listening and I hope that if you read the book you are able to take something from it. If this is so then it has been worthwhile.

Keith Oliver