From our Families

These vignettes are shared with us by members of our community whose unique perspectives offer support and encouragement to others going through similar experiences. We appreciate their generosity in sharing some of their intimate thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and recognize that it is through this generosity that we will all find the comfort and support of community.

If you have a story you would like to share, please contact us at info@ftd-picks.org.

Something about Mary. Written by Cheryl Fischer

Cheryl describes her mother, Mary, as vibrant, full of life and an inspiration for how to enjoy life.  In this essay however, she presents some of the challenges their family has faced providing care for Mary as she battled FTD these past 13 years.  Caregivers honor their loved ones daily with both small and heroic demonstrations of love in the long journey that is FTD. 
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A Song for Mom.  Written by LJ Miller

About 7 years ago, LJ began to wonder why she and her mom were growing apart. Always a phone call away, and a patient listener, mom seemed distant, uninterested, and negative. Not a kid anymore, LJ thought
maybe she was too dependent, stopped calling every day, and started writing her mom letters asking what was wrong. She never sent the letters, and now knows that her mom would not have understood what was happening either. When mom was finally diagnosed, LJ realized it was not a passing phase, but the beginning of a long journey with FTD. And LJ turned to writing again…
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I’ll Take It. Written by Dolly Barr

Robert E. Barr had a Masters Degree and Honorary Doctorate of Christian Service. He worked as a minister and hospitalchaplain in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for over 45 years, and had abeautiful singing voice that brought joy to many. His wife Dolly saw Bob gradually lose all his gifts during a six year battle with frontotemporal dementia. When he died on September 7, 2008, Dolly offered this tribute that puts the devastating course of FTD in the context of Bob’s lifelong faith.
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Daggers in My Heart. Written by Kayla Winters

Kayla’s grandfather was affected by FTD throughout her life. In this essay she describes travelling through the stages of his illness together with her family. At 16 she faces a choice about how to remember her once loving grandfather who has become so ill.
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Lewy Body Dementia; different disease, similar heartache. Written by Debbie Fields

Debbie’s mom, Louise Gallagher, was 70 years old, just newly retired when she was diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Dementia in 2003. She died March 14, 2008. Debbie writes of the progression of Lewy Body Dementia and the heartache and sorrow that goes along with it. The journey is long, and difficult, but as she states at the end, “never let go, just hang on for the ride of your life.”
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A mother’s search for meaning. Written by Jeanine Gierke

Jeanine’s son Bryan died on June 12. He was just 31, with a young wife and infant daughter, when he was diagnosed with FTD two years before. Here, Jeanine writes of the unique heartache a mother feels watching her child succumb to this disorder, and of her search to find some meaning and a way to cope.
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The conflicting emotions of a husband and caregiver. Written by Bruce Richardson

Bruce Richardson’s wife, Diana, was diagnosed with Pick’s Disease in 1999, when they had been married for 33 years. He cared for her at their home until her death last year. Here, Bruce generously shares his thoughts and feelings about her illness, her death, and the ambivalence he feels now that he has been “freed” from his role as a caregiver.
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The grandmother I will always know. Written by Lindsay Elkin

Lindsay’s grandmother was a tremendous presence in her life. She writes this as a tribute to the woman she loved, the impact her grandmother’s illness had on the family, and the inspiration she feels to do what she can to help others struggling with the same life experiences.
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My husband’s gift. Written by Kitty Roth

One woman’s account of the “special time” she shared with her husband who was diagnosed with FTD at the age of 55. The beautiful yet simple art they created together culminated in a portfolio of pictures to be shared with all who loved him, as well as a wealth of treasured memories that will live on with her forever.
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