When the Going Gets Tough

Twenty-five years ago I met a woman who would grow to be one of my dearest friends.  Our families would become intertwined.  Our daughters would become best friends; my husband and I would become god-parents of their son.  We would travel together, spend holidays together, raise our families together.

Her parents welcomed us into their family, giving us a sense of belonging in a community that was new to us.  I remember thinking how wonderful her parents were — how vibrant, energetic, loving and open.  When we first met Jan and Oz, they were the same age that my husband and I are now.

Then twenty years later a devastating disease would slowly take our lovely Oz away from us.  Sure, he was still energetic and loving and kind, but his mind was being washed away.  As he lost his ability to communicate, I saw my friend, Susan, begin a desperate attempt to understand what was happening to her beloved father.  In true Susan fashion, she began meeting with doctors, researching, networking – all in an effort to “do something” to help.

When it became clear that she could not control this disease and its hold on her father, she looked to another outlet.  She decided she could do something to raise money for Alzheimer’s research and caregiver support.  And then, Rivet Revolution was born.

I wear my Rivet Revolution bracelets proudly.  Proud to have known a man as lovely as Oz.  Proud to have shared so much of my life with his family.  And proud of my friend who fought beyond her fears, and launched an idea that will most certainly have an impact on this disease and the families that are impacted by it.