It has taken me a few days to gather my thoughts since learning on Sunday about the death of Nancy Reagan. When I learned of her passing, I had the sensation of being caught in a vortex that gathered me up and dropped me back into 1994…driving in my car and hearing the news report on the radio that President Reagan had announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. In the news report, the announcers shared the grim reality that this diagnosis brings…no treatment…no cure…and the painful and slow progress of this insidious disease.
In 1994, I didn’t know anyone that had ever suffered from Alzheimer’s disease—cancer was the disease that had taken many of my family members and dear friends. But as I continued to listen to the news broadcast about President Reagan’s diagnosis, a bone-chilling fear came over me and I asked God to please not let anyone I love get this disease. Fifteen years later, it became obvious that God had other plans for my life when He dropped me right into the middle of the Alzheimer’s arena.
As I processed this memory and reflected on the legacy of Nancy Reagan, I was once again reminded of how incredibly special this lady was. She lived her life with passion, dedication, and conviction…as First Lady of the United States, as an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, treatment and research, and as the love and protector of her beloved, Ronnie.
I thank the Reagan’s for the courage and strength they demonstrated in going public with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. I thank Nancy Reagan for demonstrating what it means to be a tireless advocate and protector for our loved ones that have been diagnosed with this disease. I admire her conviction in advocating for Alzheimer’s treatments and research that fall outside the lines of what is “acceptable” to a political party. She was a pioneer in bringing awareness to a disease that still carries stigma and is shrouded in misunderstanding.
The life of Nancy Reagan has left an indelible imprint on my heart, as well as the hearts of millions of people. May be we all take comfort in knowing that she and her beloved Ronnie are together again.