Chapter One-Diary of an Althzheimer's Patient

This diary is about darkness, confusion and how the destructive disease of Alzheimer's rapes the mind of its victims. In the story, Diary of an Alzheimer's Victim I will crawl into the mind and heart of my dear friend and father-in-law, William Scheffer.

Bill was born on June 8, 1924 in Evansville, Indiana. Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was a gunner on an airplane. Bill served for one year in the military before having his toe shot off and was honorably discharged. His commanding officer was Jimmy Stewart, the actor.

Alzheimer's disease inflicted Bill almost eight years ago. Bill was taken from dignity to darkness in a very short time. Bill passed away April of this year from complications of Alzheimers. The diary will be fiction based of facts on the time right before and after Bill started living with us. I hope this diary will open doors for those who are dealing with this dreadful disease. Hopefully, giving insight into the confusion which each Alzheimer's victim faces each and every day.

Diary of an Alzheimer's Victim

Inside the mind of my friend and father-in-law William Scheffer.

12/12/2005

7:00 A.M. I just woke up. I would make some coffee this morning if I could figure out how to operate this damn coffee pot. I felt a little helpless last night when I got up to go to the bathroom. I'm going to have to start leaving the light on.

9:00A.M. I feel lost already in the familiar landscape of my surroundings. My home in Florida looks so different then it did to me yesterday. Did someone move things around last night? The recollections of the past are a little cloudy today. Thank God I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow, maybe I'll find out what is wrong with me.

11:00A.M. My daughter Stephanie called the other night, but I don't remember exactly why she called. Did she really call? Is my imagination just getting the best of me? I believe I'm going to have to write reminders on sticky notes.

Stephanie and Bill's actual conversation

"Hello, how are you feeling today Daddy?"

"Pretty good honey how have you been doing?"

"Guess what?"

"What?"

Stephanie says excitedly," You are a new grandfather."

Tears start flowing down Bill's face. He wants to do something special for the new baby.

"Stephanie, I want to send you guys some money for the baby."

"Would this be alright?"

"Yes, daddy this will be great."

"I love you daddy!"

"I love you honey."

3:00A.M. I think the electricity bill is due today, but I don't remember where I put it. I will just look for it tomorrow, if I remember losing it tomorrow. Who knows?

7:00 A.M. My roommate Bud tells me I need to take a bath. I think I got one yesterday, but I don't remember either. I'm really trying to get things straight in my mind.