Walking for Mimmie

My grandparents, Mimmie & Poppie, were like bonus parents to me. Growing up, I spent countless weekends and school breaks at their house. They attended every concert, performance, ceremony, birthday, and graduation. Their support was unwavering. They weren’t extravagant, but their love sure was.

After Poppie passed away, it became clear how much he had been covering for Mimmie as she battled Alzheimer’s. His death seemed to push her deeper into the disease. Her children - my aunts, uncles, and my mom - tried to keep her in her own home. They even moved in with her, and I did too for a few months. But after a few years, the relentless progression of the disease made it impossible. She moved to an assisted living facility, and my mom & aunt arranged for extra help.

She forgot my name but still knew that whoever I was, she loved me. She always smiled and called me “Our Girl” when I visited. It was heartbreaking to see her forget how to swallow, holding food in her mouth. She became a hard, inflexible shadow of her former self. Even though tears fill my eyes as I write this, I know our experience is not unique. No one should have to suffer like that.

And, the emotional and physical toll on caregivers is immense.

I read that Alzheimer’s affects nearly 7 million Americans today, and this number is expected to rise to almost 13 million by 2050. It’s the fifth-leading cause of death among people aged 65 and older. 11 million Americans providing unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

This disease doesn’t just steal memories; it steals lives and the essence of who people are.

I'm going to walk to remember her and her love.