Alzheimer's Disease and memory book.

In the UK there are an estimated 820,000 people suffering from dementia. My husband’s grandmother was one of these people. This amazing woman, with her big heart and tiny frame, lived her last years on this earth in a confusing world created by her own failing mind; a world most of us cannot even begin to comprehend.

                On good days she remembered who we were, she smiled, she gave me advice, and we talked about our shared passion for the written word.

                On her bad days, she cried because she wanted her son, but her son had been brutally murdered a few years earlier and we were left with the task of breaking that poor woman’s heart over and over again with the news that her son was gone.

                Despite her illness there was one thing she didn’t forget; that I was pregnant and soon she would be a great grandmother. She battled to survive long enough to see my son come into the world. Her emotional state the day she held her great grandson, my beautiful boy, for the first time was more than I could bear and I had to take myself outside and have a good weep.

                 Despite only being in my life for a short time, she touched my heart completely and we all miss her dearly.

                For years I tried not to think about what she went through, but her illness eventually lead to me researching Alzheimer’s disease and reading other’s stories about their own experiences with the disease; be they the one diagnosed with it or someone who loved and cared for someone with dementia.

                There was a lot of heartache, a lot of tears, but also a heart-warming sense of just how amazing we as people can be, because the tender loving care that some carers give to their loved ones suffering from this illness is amazing.

                Watching my husband’s grandmother and doing all this research lead to me begin work on my current WIP, Memory Book, in which Charlie, a very proud man, struggles to adjust to a life with Alzheimer’s. For Charlie, the realization that he needs help comes when he forgets about a cigarette that he’d left balanced on the edge of an ashtray and heads off out to the shops, returning hours later to find his home and his neighbour’s house burnt to the ground.

                Things; however, only get worse for Charlie, as he heads to his bank, only to be reminded that he drew all his money out, months ago; his whole life savings, which he had then stashed under his bed in an old shoe box, having been certain at the time that the banks were out to steal it.

                Then, to top everything off, he finds that he isn’t even insured, having failed to keep his payments up to date.

                He is left with only one option; to call his son, whom he has not seen, since the death of his wife, many years ago.

                Memory book follows Charlie, as he is forced to let go of his pride and seek the help of a son he barely knows anymore; adapting, not only to a new life, in a new home, but grandchildren he struggles to cope with and a daughter in law he can’t stand.

                The family’s struggle to cope, not only with Charlie’s ever-worsening condition, but their own life struggles will, I hope, go some way towards illustrating the battle families all over the world cope with every day, as they deal with the heartache that Alzheimer’s brings.

                So, what is Alzheimer’s? 

                Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a word used to describe a collection of symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, difficulties performing everyday tasks, and mood swings.

                Two thirds of those who suffer from dementia have Alzheimer’s. That’s around 500,000 people in the UK.

                Typical early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:

·         Mood or behaviour problems, such as increased anger or a loss of confidence

·         Getting lost

·         Confusion about the time of day, year, or other aspects of life

·         Regularly misplacing items or putting them in strange places

·         Regularly forgetting recent events, names, and faces

·         Struggling to find the right words to express what they wish to say

·         Reduced judgement; for example, being unaware of danger

·         Disorientation

Although, more common in the elderly, Alzheimer’s can affect people who are much younger and sadly those who are younger can sometimes go undiagnosed for quite a long time.

So, what causes Alzheimer’s?   

Scientists and medical professionals tell us there is still a lot to learn about the causes of Alzheimer’s. What is known is that during Alzheimer’s two abnormal proteins build in the brain, forming clumps called either tangles or plaques. These interfere with how brain cells work and communicate with each other. These tangles and plaques are normally first seen in the areas that create new memories.

Although, very little is known about the cause of Alzheimer’s at present, some believe that a mixture of age, genes, environment, and lifestyle could contribute to whether we develop Alzheimer’s or not.

What is clear is that more research needs to be done and that is exactly what Alzheimer’s Research UK is trying to do. Their new blog, Defeating Dementia, is full of very helpful and interesting information on Alzheimer’s disease. Sir Terry Prachett, who sadly suffers from this terrible disease, has been a patron of Alzheimer’s Research UK since 2008 and has an amazing blog post on the site. You can check out both the site and Prachett’s blog post here: http://www.dementiablog.org/

As of yet, I have no release date for Memory Book, as I am still continuing to research and polish it. If you care for someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s or have Alzheimer’s yourself, I would love to hear your stories, as it is hearing people’s real stories that will help me to ensure that Memory Book and its characters are as realistic as possible and do justice to those faced with this terrible illness. You can email me at jossie.marie@gmail.com. Even if you don’t fit these criteria, please feel free to leave a comment, as I love hearing from other bloggers and making new friends.

Love and hugs all, Joss xx

Celebrate the small things

It’s Friday and that means it is time to Celebrate the Small Things.

Celebrate the Small Things is a weekly meme hosted by Vikilits Writing Blog. You can check that out here, and also sign up to the linky link or browse a few of the other participating blogs to see what they are celebrating this week.

So, onto the celebrations; well, I am sad to say that I have not felt all that much like celebrating this week. I won’t get into too much detail here, but complications have meant my beloved mobility scooter Speedy McNipster and myself have had to part ways. If you want to know more about the circumstances behind this sad parting, you can read about it on my What’s Up Wednesday post here.

 I will; however, try to be brave, because there are things to celebrate this week.

Firstly, the fact that I will still be able to get my son to school at least this week, thanks to the school arranging a Taxi for Kye this morning, and for his return journey tonight. He was a very happy and excited boy to have a different way of getting to school today.

Second on my list of celebrations is the support I have received throughout this difficult time from my family and friends. It has truly been amazing and I am so grateful to them all. I have had offers of money to help purchase speedy back and lots of emotional support to. It’s at times like this that you really know, just how lucky you are, to have so many amazing people in your life. In particular my husband, who last night put his beloved Vespa up for sale, which he has now, sold subject to collection on Sunday, 1300 is more than enough to bring Speedy home, as long as the mobility people are able to persuade Motability to give me a few more days to buy him back.

Item three is the kindness Launceston Mobility has shown me at this time and all the help they have given me. Seriously, if you live near Launceston in Cornwall and you need help with anything mobility related, these are the people to talk to. They are absolutely amazing. Here a little linky-poo to their site.

Item four. My beautiful son, after lots of hard practice, got six out of six on his spelling test at school this week. He is such a clever chappy. He will also be turning seven, next Friday. I can’t believe how fast he is growing up. Seems like only yesterday, he was my little beautiful baby; curled up in my arms, so small. If only we could re-shrink them. Just kidding.

Item five; the final item, I might add, is pain killers. I had such a bad headache on Wednesday and lovely painkillers killed it off wonderfully. I only wish I’d had some in, instead of having to ring my husband, begging him to bring some home with him and then having to wait, until he arrived.

So, those are my celebrations for the week. Now, I am off to chillax. Have a great week everyone.

Love and hugs Joss xx

What's up Wednesday

I was browsing friends' blogs this morning and came across a great weekly meme called What's up Wednesday and I couldn't resist joining in.

What's up Wednesday is run by the beautiful Jaime Morrow. You can check out her awesome blog here. as well as get involved with What's up Wednesday. :)

So, how this works is that we answer the questions below every Wednesday; thus allowing you all to know whats going on in our little worlds. Don't forget to check out the other bloggers' posts for this, too, by checking out the links at the bottom of Jaime's What's up Wednesday post for this week. So, lets get started.

1. WHAT I'M READING
2. WHAT I'M WRITING
3. WHAT INSPIRES ME, RIGHT NOW
4. WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO

What I'm reading

Currently I am reading Goodnight Lady by Martina Cole.
 

I love her books and have read a few of them this month. She really breathes life into her characters and deals with some tough issues. Goodnight Lady has kept me hooked all the way through, and although being quite a thick book, I have managed to devour it, pretty much in just a few days; only a little bit left to go, now, and I am sad to see it coming to an end.
 

I don't want to give away the storyline too much, so I am going to play it safe and post up the back cover splurge for you to read; but, this book definitely gets a thumbs up from me. 

Goodnight Lady back cover splurge:

The Goodnight Lady knows everybody's secrets...

In the sixties, Briony Cavanagh ran a string of the most notorious brothels in London. Only Briony knew what went on behind those doors and she never opened her mouth, unless she stood to benefit. Only Briony knew the painful road she’d travelled to get there. From an impoverished childhood that ended with shocking betrayal, she was determined to be mistress of her own fate; but, along with success, came risk and danger, and the Goodnight Lady had her own secret place that was always shadowed by loss. 

What I'm writing 

Well, up until recently I was working on my novel, Rehabilitation Girls. Sadly though, there have been some complications with this and so it has been put on hold for a little while and I have picked up a novel I have been working on, on and off, for a few years, now, called Memory Book. 

Memory book is Charlie's story. Charlie is an elderly man who has developed Alzheimer's disease, but has yet to come to terms with the fact; however, when his and his neighbor's homes are destroyed by  a fire that occurred because of Charlie's forgetfulness, Charlie is forced to turn to his estranged son for help. The story follows Charlie though the struggles of losing his independence, which he has always held so dear, and his attempts to bite back his pride and reconnect with his family.

The reason this one has taken me so long to complete is due to the amount of research that has gone into fully portraying Charlie's struggles with his disease. Alzheimer's is such a devastating illness, not only for the sufferer, but for their family and friends, and I want to get the story right in order to do justice to the brave people who have to deal with this illness, everyday. Which leads us nicely on to the next question...

What inspires me right now

Researching for Memory Book has lead to me discovering some amazing people and families. Hearing stories of their struggles with the disease has shown me just how amazing people can be and the love that family members have for each other. Some of the things, not only the sufferer, but those who care for them have to face on a daily basis are so difficult and emotionally draining that it is definitely inspirational to see just how caring and sweet others can be. 

What else I have been up to

Well this week, I am afraid to say, has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. For those of you new to my blog, I will try to explain a little about my disability so this all makes sense. When I had my son, Kye, nearly 7 years ago, now. I was given an epidural, which sadly damaged my spine. As a result, I have to use a mobility scooter or wheel chair to get around. Recently, due to a mistake on the side of the DLA (Disability Living Allowance), I have lost my disability benefits. As a result, I have had to re-apply for the new PIP (Personal Independence Payments), which are taking over from the DLA.
 

The new claim has sadly taken too long to go through and as a result, tomorrow they come to take my mobility scooter back, which was loaned to me through motorbility. His name is Speedy McNipster. I will get another one, as soon as my claim comes through and thankfully, due to family, who have lent me a scooter until I can get my new one, I will not be completely house bound. Still, I am devastated to lose Speedy, who I had planned to pay for and keep at the end of the three year lease, which would have ended next year. Sadly, the only way I can keep him now is if I pay 650 pounds by tomorrow and unfortunately I cannot drum up that much money on such short notice (I was given a week to find it in order to keep him).
 

I feel as if I am losing my legs and it is a very hard and upsetting time. Speedy has given me the freedom I had lost and ensured that I was no longer house bound and although he is not a living thing, I feel as if I am losing a very good friend. This week really has been a mad dash to try and find enough to save him; but, sadly we have failed and tomorrow I have to wave goodbye to my beloved Speedy McNipster. :(
 

So, it is a very sad week for me, this week; but I am trying to stay positive, as best I can, and praying that maybe he won't sell too quickly and I may get a chance to buy him back, later (Fingers crossed). 

So, that's all the questions answered. I hope you are all well and thank you for taking the time to visit my page and read this.

Love and hugs, Joss xx 

Express yourself meme

So, it's Monday and that means it's time for Express Yourself. Express Yourself is an awesome blog hop that is run by two lovely ladies, whose names I am afraid I can't remember off the top of my head, which will make perfect sense, when you hear my answer for today's question.

If you want to join in with all the lovely bloggers posting for the express yourself meme, or read others post them click here.

I am writing this at the bus stop while waiting for my son to get home from school; but, I promise I will add in pictures and links and such later. If they are here, I obviously did it already, so you can ignore that bit.

It's been a little while since I did an Express Yourself as life has been getting in the way lately; but, I am back and don't intend to go anywhere for a long time to come.

So, to get on with the true purpose of this blog post; today's question or task, unless I really messed up and read it wrong is (imagine drum roll here or perhaps create your own with use of nearby flat surface) name a movie character whose personality is exactly like yours.

Well, I was going to ask a few friends about this and then remembered how they have all told me, on more than one occasion, that I am so Dori. You know, the cute little fish from Finding Nemo, who is incredibly forgetful, very ditzy, somewhat clumsy, but adorably loveable with a very upbeat and happy personality. Hey, if I am gonna be Dori, I gotta emphasise her good points.

I, at times, wish I could claim I was not Dori-esque, but that's hard when I frequently do Dori-esque things. Firstly, my memory is terrible. I am always forgetting where I put things, people's birthdays, oh and what I was doing five minutes ago. I am incredibly accident prone, racking up, I believe, a total of five accidental, but self inflicted injuries, just yesterday. 

Here's one of them....

...from a fight with a karaoke machine that the karaoke machine won.

And lastly, of course, I am incredibly adorable because, well that just goes without saying, hehe.

So, there you go; I'm Dori. Who would you be?

Love and hugs, Joss

P.S The knee picture was already on my phone, so it got to go up straight away, hehe. The rest; however, will have to wait.

Winter's coming

I woke up this morning to rain and wind. Yuck! It seems to be a repeating theme of late and l have already begun to pull my winter clothes out and layer up.

Kye, too, is feeling the cold and has started pulling his hood up over his ears as we wait at the bus stop each morning.

I take pleasure; however, in having had a really pleasant summer this year. Even if it did get a little too hot at times, it was preferable to the long, hard winter to come.

It's hard to believe that once winter was my favourite time of year; when, now, I just long for it to be over. The snow that seems inevitable these days can leave us stranded in our small village as it quickly makes the lanes with their hills impossible to drive through. Flooding in the lanes from the heavy rain of winter also creates its own problems. 

But, by far, the worst thing about winter is the dreaded wood burner...

...my greatest enemy! It hates me and I hate it. The hours I have spent trying to coax this horrible beast to life are unbelievable. Once going, I'll admit it's pleasant, extremely so, but the effort it takes always leaves me longing for the day when I can have a home heated in a simple way that requires just a flick of a switch. 

My husband, infuriatingly, seems to have a knack for getting the beast going that I just don't possess. As a result, we both have very differing opinions about the greatness of a real fire. 

I'll admit I do enjoy the crackling noises and flickering light, as well as the glorious heat that it throws out. I especially love seeing all my dogs and cats curled up together in front of it on a winter's eve; but, still, I wish that it would be a little nicer to me when it comes time to coaxing it into life.

So, here's a question for you. What do you prefer; a real fire or a fake fire, and why? And, if you prefer a real fire, have you actually ever had one and experienced the hell that is trying to force the thing to life? Finally, what do you prefer winter or summer, and why?

Well, it's nearly time to get my son to the school bus. We're laying up, as I type, and praying that the little bit of sun we can see holds until we are both safely back in the warm. 

Wishing you all a cold and wet-free day.

Love and hugs, 

Joss xx

express yourself meme

I am afraid I will not be doing the Express Yourself meme this week, mainly because I honestly haven't got a clue what songs I would pick for either my work in progress or my life.

My life would be full of such a mixture of music that I just wouldn't know where to start and my WIP is at the very early stages, so I just don't have enough of a plot built up right now to even ponder on the kind of music that would represent it. So, as it is late here and I have to be up very early to get my son to school I am going to bow out of this one quietly and hope you all have fun.

Love and hugs,
Joss xx

Celebrate the small stuff.

So another Friday is here and another celebrate the small stuff I have quite a few small things to celebrate this week.

First off, good times:

 I have had some really fun times this week with my family. On Wednesday I went with my husband and son to the local beach at Bude. Where we enjoyed the sunshine and also sat for a while in the car park while Kye worked on getting the hang of riding his new bike and Dan played with his big petrol remote control car. It might not have been all that peaceful but it was indeed good times. Then today my husband surprised me having booked a day off work and we headed out to Boscastle for a lovely full English breakfast. Yummy!!! At the Boscastle farm shop and cafe. It was our first time going there, and it was absolutely amazing. They have all local products and beautiful views while you eat. I am just sad that we didn't go there sooner. Especially given how close it is to our home.

my second celebration is for family laughter, chaos and noise:

There are times when the chaos and noise of a loud family can get a bit much and have you begging for mercy. But the reality is that it's not a bad thing. In fact I think it is something to be celebrated. Nothing makes me smile like watching my boys messing around, laughing and having fun. Dan is such and amazing father and is always playing silly games with our son. So I am very lucky to have a house that is full of noise and fun. I couldn't imagine life without it and I'm not sure I want to :)

third celebration is for Asda home delivery.

Every Friday our food arrives at our door in the hands of a lovely asda man or women, requiring us only to unpack it. Which not only  save's us a trip to a busy supermarket but the stress that goes with it. Okay, so sometimes there are substitutes and sometimes the food that comes isn't quite up to your standards, but they are very good at refunding or redelivering troublesome items and compared to the stress of going to the supermarket, it is a a lot more of a  happy process. So I want to celebrate the easy shopping that Asda home delivery brings.

Cornwall:

I am so so lucky to live in Cornwall it is a beautifully stunning place, with so much to see and do right on our doorstep.
Everyday people fork out months of hard earned and hard saved money to come and visit Cornwall for just a week, while I get to live here on a perminant basis. Now, if that isn't something to celebrate I don't know what is.

my final Celebration for this week is boxes of smarties:

OMG! I love boxes of smarties. I don't know why but smarties always seem to taste better out of  the little boxes with the paper bags of smarties inside. Heaven and I got me some of these this week as my final treat before the dreaded diet begins on Monday.

Well that's my celebrations for the week, what's yours ??

love and hugs Joss xxx