Vicki's Voice

FTD is a strange disease in so many ways. In the 3-1/2 years since Vicki was diagnosed, I’ve seen her have ups and downs more extreme than any roller coaster. It can be hard for her to accomplish tasks some days; other times Vicki amazes me with her mental speed and ability.

Vicki has been using online games not only for social contact, but as a way to exercise her brain/mind to help slow down the effects of FTD. A couple of weeks ago she introduced me to a fast little iPad/iPhone word game called Ruzzle. It’s simple: just find as many words as you can in 2 minutes by connecting letters shown on the screen.

Of the many rounds we’ve played, until 30 seconds ago I had never won a game. Vicki is sharp, very sharp. That’s great to see! (Though I admit that being repeatedly trounced is a bit humbling.)

During my last visit with Vicki, we set up an Apple TV for a mutual friend – and Vicki was a whiz at adjusting settings, entering accounts, and demonstrating how it all worked. These were the kinds of things she’d done so often while she was still working. But some days – and weeks – it’s hard for Vicki to do even everyday routine tasks.

And so we celebrate the good moments and days, and we share the frustration and sadness of bad times as her FTD affects Vicki’s life – and has an impact on her family and friends as well. One thing’s for certain though: I am blessed to be able to share Vicki’s journey at least in a small way.

Thank you, Papa.
Jim

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