To my DAI family and friends,
As December arrives I wonder yet again where the year has gone; it seems I have lost much of what’s happened over the past year that we have arrived already to the place that will bring it to an end.
I’m grateful, it looks like I will make it to see another year in. It’s a time to reflect, to sit in quiet peacefulness; I don’t dare look too far beyond today, as Dementia has taught me we never know what tomorrow is going to look like.
This past year has seen many changes for me, I feel the decline, I know I am functioning different than a year ago, but I also know staying active, being engaged, are helping me to maintain in a better fashion that I might otherwise.
Every day, I marvel that my term as a DAI board member has been completed, where has the time gone, and am honoured to sit for another term. I’m not always sure if people understand the magnitude of commitment and belief I have in DAI and all that it provides. I will be forever grateful to the founders who worked hard to create a truly unique and necessary platform for people living with Dementia.
I live alone so it truly is a life line for me, and I was thrilled that in this past year DAI has added the living alone support group, it’s a great place for people living with dementia who are on their own to talk about their particular types of challenges and have support for those sharing them.
Over the last year, I have worked hard to reach out to has many people As possible and encouraged them to join DAI, and with everyone’s continued efforts and support we are seeing DAI continue to grow. This does my heart an soul a lot of good.
I also attended a capacity building event in L.A along with other DAI members, it was a great workshop, and we have since seen and continue to see DAI evolve. The DAI board is transitioning into a governing board, which is good for the organization as a whole going forward. We have more committee’s working which engages more of our members, which is also great to see....
Together we are stronger, and as people take on new and varied rolls the diversity will keep us a healthy organization.
I’m truly proud to be part of such an organization.
I have also taken part in our continued efforts to advocate at all levels and was honoured to take part and present at the United Nations 12 annual COSP event, and then while there has been the opportunity to make a statement at the Ford Centre at the Woman and Disability Side Event. I left both of these events forever changed, and more determined to use my voice for as long as possible, and I’m so proud of the work that DAI does on behalf of all those living with Dementia in this regard.
I continue to write my blog, I have a book being published in 2020, and continue in my efforts to make a difference for all living with dementia, my next stop will be in Singapore at the Alzheimer’s Disease International Conference where I will do an Oral presentation as well as a poster presentation.
I've also become actively involved with Dementia Advocacy Canada as well and am thrilled that they are such strong supporters of DAI and are directing people with Dementia to DAI. I’m also involved with Trec, (which is a research program focused on developing solutions for improving the quality of care provided to nursing home ... and four other research groups in an ongoing effort to make a difference.
My world is shrinking and yet growing at the same time, my life is nothing as it was, but it is rich and full because of the opportunities I have received through DAI. The friendships I have gained through DAI are some of the best I’ve ever had.
So, as Christmas approaches, I reflect. With gratitude and appreciation for all that Dementia has provided me rather than focus on all that is lost. As I reflect and look back, I realize that for all the days and times that I sit feeling like I’m not doing anything or that I’m not doing enough, in part because I forget what I’ve done, I have to remember, I do have dementia and what any of us do individually and collectively is nothing short of miraculous.
In closing I want to wish you all the very best of this holiday season and thank you for the privilege of serving such a great organization. I think 2020 is shaping up to be a year of great accomplishment for us all.
Blessings to all
Christine Thelker
DAI Board Member