All right, just stop.
So unfortunately feeding my sense of impending doom doom doom, with a capital D and a very loud OOOOOO, I’ve just learned that one of my favorite authors, Terry Pratchett, has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers. You can read his statement here, which, like so much of what he writes, is intelligent, phlegmatic, funny and cuttingly real.
I’m not sure how they diagnosed him, since a neurologist friend assures me that a true diagnosis for Alzheimers can only be done via autopsy, but still. And his optimism — or determination — to carry on for a long while yet exhorts me to adopt the same positive forward movement. And perhaps much of what could be hard and dooooom-riddled can be otherwise with a better attitude.
Still, I would really like the crap to stop and something very very nice and long-lasting to happen. Not just, you know, tickets to Spamalot or a nice sunny morning without too much work to do (although that would be nice too) but something big and nice. Daniel to stop fighting at school. Ed suddenly getting a to-die-for job in Philadelphia. My asthma improving. Friends moving in next door. An invitation to direct for the RSC.
My computer having not lost the last two days of work. Breakfast.
well wishes from your dear blogger friend? does that count as something…
not big, but something?
you’re in my thoughts always stunts.
I hope you feel better soon.
I know a bit about Alzheimer’s disease since my dad died of it and my mom was an activist for 16 years.
It can only be diagnosed through an autopsy. And the picture is getting more and more confusing. Some older people who seem intellectually sharp until the end show brains riddled with what they thought were the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
You might want to look up the book, Aging with Grace, by David Snowdom. He describes what is known as the Nun Study. An order of nuns has volunteered for a very long term study of Alzheimer’s Disease, and the results have been unexpected and fascinating.
I’ve been having a lot of trouble with an asthma-like syndrome, Reactive Airway. I find that Advair and Singulair give me great relief.
I’m sorry to read about the imminent loss around you. It’s hard to deal with no matter when it occurs. Find some joy in this season. Cherish the time you have with your mom.
A friend of mine was just diagnosed with medicalthingXthatshe’dneverheardof, and asked what that meant. The doctor said, “Basically, early alzheimer’s.” I’ll try to ask for more details.
Hope to see you soon.
Just wanted to let you know that I am reading, and that I am, and have been, thinking of you (and your family).
Give me a J!
Give me an O!
Give me an H!
Give me an N!
Give me another N!
Give me a Y!
What does it spell?
JOHNNY!
I can’t hear you. What does it spell?
J O H N N Y!!
That’s something big and nice for you Checolina!
Love from all the Hiesters to you!
if it makes you feel any better, spamalot sorta sucks! there is however a new tom stoppard play in which a bunch of communists talk about the velvet underground for three hours. come to new york please thank you.
That is sad news, indeed. I love him, too.
Hi it’s me.
Just wanted to say that I hope you’re feeling more chuckle-y, and that you and yours have a lovely Christmas.
Don’t get too cold… we’ll be trying not to get too sunburnt!
Merry Christmas and a muchly happier new year!
Merry Christmas…I hope the holidays are everything you want them to be this year.
When I heard the news about Terry, I wanted to kick things. Then I heard that my most favorite author, Steven brust, is having medical issues that are causing him to possibly lose his house.
Crap.
Happy Holidays.
This is news to me!
I heard it last week!
Okay, I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. Though I’d like to think Terry would get a laugh out it–why, I’m just re-reading my collection of his fantastical fantasy right now.
I’ve missed you. Feel a bit like I’m the Inuit who went out on the hilltop only to discover I’m not ready to die. Not quite yet…
Missing you. Hope you’re hanging in there.
Hope 2008 brings you happiness and contentment.
Just wanted to let you know I have been thinking of you.