10/15/2026
GOOD EVENING FROM TPM!
This morning, I shared that my Father in law died one year ago today of Alzheimer’s.
ALZHEIMER’s definitely changed the game.
For him.
For his partner.
For his daughters.
For his siblings.
For his grandchildren.
For his friends.
I remember when everyone started noticing changes in Doug’s memory and actions.
I first REALLY noticed it watching March Madness with him in 2023.
By 2024, I came to the door and he looked at me perplexed as to who I was as I extended my hand for a shake and cheerfully said, “Hey Doug.”
The look on the kids faces when they saw this was devastation.
They could sense he didn’t know them.
Doug was a very enthusiastic and involved grandpa who was awesome playing with them and the kids were very sad.
I didn’t want to believe it.
“It’s never gonna be the same.”
We used to have a few, or six, or twelve b**rs together through the years.
On a handful of occasions when we’d get really snockered he’d tell me this…
“IF I EVER GET LIKE MY MOM, TAKE ME OUT BACK AND SHOOT ME.”
His mom died of Alzheimer’s.
There he was.
Laying on the bed.
His worst fears came true.
His daughter’s worst fears came true.
I didn’t have a gun and he knew I never could…
BUT
I felt an empathy and compassion I had never felt watching him just days before his final breath.
I carry this with me forever.
All I could do was feel sad.
His daughters were there for him always.
His daughters epitomize the meaning of living your best life to honor their dad’s memory.
Let’s be there for everyone when they need us…
AND
Cherish life, for all life dies eventually.
GO WIN!!!
