A Small Victory

When I first started noticing the symptoms of my slow walk into oblivion, it wasn’t uncommon for me to walk to another part of the house for something and forget what I was after by the time I got there . But it was by no means the norm. We all joked about it. Things like apparently I was getting older because the senior moments sure were setting in firmly.

However, almost two years post diagnosis I almost never remember why I go from one area of the house to the other unless there is someone or something there to remind me and even then that doesn’t always mean success. That’s what made an event that occurred a couple of days ago so special. I walked into the kitchen to get something and, as per usual, I had no idea why I was there when I arrived. In the beginning, I would have stood and anguished over the forgotten item for several long minutes. But that routine has become so tiresome and frustrating over time that I have almost stopped giving extraordinary effort into remembering why I am there. I think about it for a short time and usually go on my way. Where ever that may be.

This occasion seemed to be no different. I stood there several minutes trying to remember why I had come to this room, had no idea, and turned to leave the room. Several steps on my way to my next misadventure it hit me! I was there to pick up a roll of paper towels from the pantry. Finally, I had been victorious over my flagging mind. I was exhilarated! Just this simple act of completing a task I had taken for granted as being so simplistic my entire life had brightened my entire day. I think I actually let out a little, “Yes!” or something to that effect because it so concerned my wife that she asked what was wrong and started toward me. When I explained my excitement, she laughed with me and went back about her business.

As this insidious disease advances victories become more and more difficult to come by. That’s why even minor ones such as this should and must be celebrated. Even if they are relatively cheap thrills.

Y’all have yourself a great day.

Randy