Over the years since my own diagnosis, I have talked and written about the profound and complicated loss and grief which I continue to experience following the diagnosis of dementia. To be honest, the phrase, “I didn’t get to say goodbye”, is just as applicable to losing some part of my functioning, capacity, including being…
Movie Spoiler Alert. We recently watched a movie featuring Tom Hanks called ‘Otto’ which was poignant, sweet and funny. Hanks is an incredible actor and I was looking forward to seeing it, and from the trailer, thought it was going to be a modern day improved version of ‘Gumpy Old Men’. However, it may be…
As another year comes to an end, and christmas nears, for me, and for many of us, our grief reappears, sometimes in painful and unexpected ways. To have have loved, means you will grieve… It if is a first Christmas since someone you loved has died, it will likely be one of the toughest, and…
Apologies this post was accidentally published yesterday, when is was meant for today, day 2 of #DAM2020! Arrgghhhh! It is easy to hit the wrong button! Anyway, onto much more important things. The need for everyone to rethink dementia continues to be highlighted in the many stories of neglect, abuse, restraint and deaths in Residential…
An Australian organisation called Beyond Blue which is focused on supporting mental health said in a recent article it: “Recognises and understands the feelings of anxiety, distress and concern (BPSC-19) many people may be experiencing in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and offers some advice on how to look after your wellbeing.” Beyond Blue is…
In 2016, I was interviewed by Jessica Kingsley Publishers JKP), soon after the release of my book, What the hell happened to my brain?: Living Beyond Dementia. This is my response to one of the questions: Q: What would be your best piece of advice for others who are living with dementia? A: My advice…
During this Coronavirus pandemic throughout the last 9 weeks, it has been both interesting and encouraging to see how we, as a community have all done our best to adapt to this time of dramatic change due to the enforced isolation and social and physical distancing. It really does show just how resilient and resourceful…
Tracey Maxfield wrote an excellent short post some time ago now about Betrayal Trauma on her LinkedIn page, which I then shared in a short post on Facebook. It was too important and relevant to so many of us living with (and without) dementia not to start a blog about it and quote her here, It…
In my #BanBPSD for #WAM2018 blog series, I am posting a comment received after an earlier blog in this series; often it is a comments like this that motivates me to keep writing and advocating for change. My blog today is short, but hopefully makes sense. Jeff’s comments kept me awake, and in tears for…
The many words used when a person first makes it public knowledge They have been diagnosed with dementia are words like #brave #courageous #inspiring Then, if we dare to live too positively with it We are told we don’t look like we have dementia. The only thing really needing true grit, bravery and courage Is…
It concerns me that such a fuss is made in the media about people (usually more so when they are celebrities) when they either get a diagnosis, or die from dementia. Surely dying is a natural part of life, and for those left behind, just as devastating when it’s from the violation on the body…
In my own experience It’s ultimately kinder to be up front Face up to stuff Be honest and true to you Laugh as much as possible Dance, even when no-one’s watching Believe in love It will always overcome hate Forgive others In the knowledge That those who intentionally harm you Speak of themselves Not you…
Jonathan Livingstone Seagull is now only in my thoughts rather than hanging in my office, although I do have a photograph of him on my computer desktop and phone wallpaper. This year, more than ever before, I have relied on my seagull Jonathon, or at least the meaning of what he stands for, and I miss his…
It was a day of interesting opportunities and challenges having a film crew in my house (sometime earlier this or last year – I can’t remember as I started writing this blog the day after). The denial bubble we prefer to live in disappeared that day, as we had to focus on what it is…
Seneca on Grief and the Key to Resilience in the Face of Loss: An Extraordinary Letter to His Mother I’m a bit slower off the mark than I once was, and although I thought my feelings these last few months were mostly based on betrayal, and the anger and extreme sadness caused by the lies…
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