Yes, I am suffering…
but only some of the time
not every moment of every day
And, importantly…
not always from dementia
more often from the language of dementia
The symptoms of dementia
do not consume me
one hundred percent of the time
Only some moments
of some days
and definitely not all days
So why then must others
with and without dementia
exacerbate the suffering and stigma
by labelling me
a sufferer
ALL of the time?
Please do not label me a sufferer
This is my one and only
Christmas wish
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Reblogged this on and commented:
A Christmas wish from Kate Swaffer
Thanks for the reblog 🙂
Best Christmas wishes to you Kate and your family. Know that a lot of love surrounds you. We acknowledge what you do. Thank you! May this global conversation continue to grow throughout 2016. Bron xo
Thanks Bron xox
Peace, joy and love for Christmas Kate!
Thanks Col… same to you 🙂
Yes. I sent the language guidelines recently to an organisation because one of their members used that word. Thanks to you and all others who put the guidelines together.
Thanks Janet, much appreciated. I had some academics tell me recently, they don’t see they need to use them, as they are only ‘guidelines’! Seriously, we have so far to go, but every bit of support from people like you will help xox
My Christmas wish is that eventually there will be an understanding of the condition to enable those with the diagnosis to have a life rather than ‘Prescribed Disengagement’. My New Years resolution is we shall overcome them.
We shall overcome them Paul… and I will see if I can work out what you meant on LinkedIn!
Your wish is our command. I love that you continue to write to us so that we understand. ♥ Merriest of Christmases…
Now that made me laugh… but thanks! Merriest wishes to you too xx
A very wise post! I hope people will read it, consider it carefully, and make appropriate changes in how they think and talk about dementia. Well done! And Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Thanks Mary… happy holidays to you too xox