Talking about "feelings".  I had occasion to fight back tearfulness this morning, especially to preserve professional demeanor, but it was tough.

I have a patient, I have followed for a couple of years, and not much older than myself.  He developed speech difficulty, and subsequently a progressive, and unrelenting dementia starting at age 52.  He is now just 61.   It is not Alzheimer's disease, but a variant, known as Fronto-Temporal Dementia, fortunately relatively rare, but a process which preys on younger victims.  His wife is very dedicated, and has looked after him at home, and not sent him to a nursing facility or convalescent home.  He gets home care 3 times weekly, and can smile when the attendant gets to his house, but otherwise is usually expressionless.  He is essentially mute, but on occasion can still recognize his wife of 40 years, and hug her, or say, "I love you".   Otherwise, there does not seem to be any active cognition.

To know of his plight is heartbreaking for all observers,  and agony for his wife.   Ironically, he is probably unaware of his mental demise.

I post this to bring awareness to some who might be interested, also because we were recently on the subject of "feelings" and all that entails, but more importantly because this situation once again re-inforces for me that we cannot take any of the gifts bestowed upon us for granted.  

On occasion my father and I will discuss retirement planning, and once he made a comment, something to the effect of.."make sure you don't outlive your money".  I think more importantly, I don't want to outlive my memory!   We don't have any idea what this life will hold in store for us.   We need to "savor the flavor" NOW.

And, yep, "don't forget to smell the roses", each and every one, when you have the chance.

Peace,

Gene