When you order this bracelet, we donate a portion of the proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association, a wonderful charity we have supported for years in homes of someday finding a cure for dementia.
When I was young, my Papa was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. So, unfortunately, I grew up only seeing a version of him affected by this horrible disease. On the outside, he still smiled and loved, yet on the inside I know it was utter chaos for him. Over the 8 years he battled Alzheimer's, I watched as he went from forgetful to not being able to speak at all. He could no longer recognize close family and friends or turn his thoughts into sentences, besides the occasional sound or word. It was agonizing witnessing this happen to him so slowly and having absolutely no chance at stopping it. I have always resented this disease as it hurt that the rest of my family had memories of what he was like without it, yet I never would. They would tell me that he was a kind man, who cared for others and loved me so much, yet I yearned to experience that for myself. I wanted to be able to hear about his life, his childhood, his stories. I wanted to make him proud as I grew up and have him involved in all the major milestones in my life. There was so much more to my story with him that I never got the chance to experience. Towards the end of his life, things began to take a turn for the worse, and we knew it was time to say our goodbyes. As I walked into his room for what would be the last time, I was greeted by the sweetest words of “hi honey” ever so clearly, the most I had heard him speak in while. Those were his last words before he passed away, coincidentally the day before my birthday. To me, those two words were exactly what I needed and he knew that. I may not have other memories of my time with him when he was well, but even in the final moments of his fight, he left me with a sign to remind me of his love for me, that he knew me, even if his brain did not remember, his heart most certainly did.
I only hope that one day, there will be no more pain brought on by this disease and a cure can be found. If you or a loved one has been directly or indirectly affected by Alzheimer's my heart truly feels for you. I have known the pain, and I am deeply sorry. Just know that although their mind and body may change, their heart remains the same and their love for you has not ever wavered. Love remembers.
-Sophia
