Keeping My Memories

I Wish She Knew Whose Hand She Holds

My grandmother, Maria, suffered from Alzheimer’s.  As a young mom I used to bring my babies to visit her in the nursing home.  It was so sad to go there.  Such hopelessness all around.  Each time she would beg me to find her mother and please take her home.  Now, my mom is suffering from the same terrible disease.  My dad kept her home as long as he possibly could.  None of us wanted her in a nursing home.   Unfortunately, it was an unavoidable decision.

Watching these two women that I love slowly slip away has been one of the most painful journeys I’ve had to walk.  It got me wondering if this was my predetermined destiny, or if there was something I could do to prevent it.  I started reading and researching more about Alzheimers.  Everything I’ve read points to the possibility that food choices and exercise could possibly help decrease  my odds of developing the disease, or at the very least delay its onset.  While not a guarantee, why the heck wouldn’t I try.  I’ve witnessed the ravages of this disease and certainly don’t want to get it.  What have I got to lose?  Nothing.  What do I have to gain?  Everything, but most of all the ability to keep my memories with me til the end.  The ability to recognize my beautiful daughter and sons when they visit me.  The memories of my life well lived and family well loved.

So, the first part of this journey to reclaiming my health, if you are joining me, is taking stock on your eating habits.  Are they like mine were?  Massive amounts of fast food, carbs and chemical laden?  I recommend that you keep a journal for at least one week and write down every morsel of food, or drink, that enters your body.  If yes, commit to making one change this week.  Start to buy organic produce and grass fed hormone free meat and dairy products.  Do the research on why this is important.  Taking in nonorganic means you are taking chemicals and hormones into your body.  Your body is your temple.  You wouldn’t drink poison, so why would you willingly eat it?  If you can’t afford it, then research which fruits and veggies are most important to buy organic.  Make one change to avoid a disease like Alzheimers and reclaim your health. This was my very first change.

Start small and together we can make big changes.  Great read to get started –

Author: laurakump

I'm a mother, wife and daughter on a mission to reclaim my health. I've watched loved ones suffer from memory robbing Alzheimers and refuse to lose my precious memories to this disease. Small changes have helped me achieve health and fitness. I'm an Elementary School Principal on a mission to impact students lives. I believe we can change this world one child at a time. View all posts by laurakump