My name is Rhonda Brantley and this blog reflects daily living with an Early/Young Onset Alzheimer's Dementia patient; the good, the bad and the ugly. My husband, Billy Ray Brantley, was diagnosed in October 2007 and left us April 9, 2012. I was his primary caretaker and it was the biggest and most important job of my life. He will remain forever in our hearts.
Rhonda, Thanks for sharing. I'm not sure you know who I am, but my mother (Patsy Lee Cottrell) and father (David Aaron) were high school friends with Billy Ray and adult friends till divorces happened. We, Susie, Amy, Wade, my brother, Patrick and I grew up in each others back yards and then side by side in Helena. Billy Ray was an integral part of my childhood. It pained me so much when I heard about his diagnosis and I cried as I read your very articulate writing of his disease. I pray often for him and will of course add you to the prayers. Sometimes people forget how difficult and frustrating it can be to be a care-taker. God Bless you and all of your family, Amy, Wade and Susie as you all go through these times and may God lay a special hand on Billy Ray. With all of my Love, Montie Aaron Norsworthy
Thanks Montie for your kind words. I often heard Amy and Wade speak of you and your family. This is a struggle, but it is my sincere hope that I can write about this for the memories, for the release and instead of the blog being about just dribble...that it will actually help or comfort others who have just been recently diagnosed. Its a no-man's land with this illness and certainly not something you can plan for. He's a sweetie and I will read to him your comments. Thanks again!
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I'm not sure you know who I am, but my mother (Patsy Lee Cottrell) and father (David Aaron) were high school friends with Billy Ray and adult friends till divorces happened. We, Susie, Amy, Wade, my brother, Patrick and I grew up in each others back yards and then side by side in Helena. Billy Ray was an integral part of my childhood. It pained me so much when I heard about his diagnosis and I cried as I read your very articulate writing of his disease. I pray often for him and will of course add you to the prayers. Sometimes people forget how difficult and frustrating it can be to be a care-taker. God Bless you and all of your family, Amy, Wade and Susie as you all go through these times and may God lay a special hand on Billy Ray. With all of my Love, Montie Aaron Norsworthy
Thanks Montie for your kind words. I often heard Amy and Wade speak of you and your family. This is a struggle, but it is my sincere hope that I can write about this for the memories, for the release and instead of the blog being about just dribble...that it will actually help or comfort others who have just been recently diagnosed. Its a no-man's land with this illness and certainly not something you can plan for. He's a sweetie and I will read to him your comments. Thanks again!
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