July 30, 2025
Dear Dementia,
Well, this is my second to last letter to you. Over the last month I have been working to see what my role is on this dementia journey. I am an educator, a speaker, an artist. I am an expert in creative engagement and care team development. But I am also a bit of a rebel. Okay, maybe more than a little bit. In 2025, how can I accompany others while they live with you and in the moments after you leave? How can I do this to my fullest ability?
I want to speak more, work with families as they help their children understand you, and I want to create more theatre. I want to share your stories, the good the bad, and the ugly. I also want to be flexible and able to move with the needs of those I accompany as it pertains to my expertise and interests. Isn’t this the reality for everyone who works in elder care, who works at all? We want to be able to live our talents, our time, and our treasure to its fullest most flourishing ability. I guess that is why I get upset when people try to box others in, build silos that hinder ones life simply because you exist.
These desires that I have for my professional life mirror the desires of the heart of those living with you. This experience connects us and through that, we have the key to a flourishing life with you in our lives.
Until tomorrow,
Kate
