The Heart Remembers - END Alzheimer's (In Memory of Paul Chaney)

Here I am, Lord.. That is the title of my father's favorite song. No matter how far his memory left him, those song lyrics never left my father's mind. In September 2011, my father was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's. At the age of 79, many people were not surprised to hear this, but as his 19 year old daughter at the time, I was shocked. There aren't words to explain how it made me feel to hear that my own father had fallen into the hands of the disease I had only heard of, never thinking it would affect me. My dadwas one of those men that wanted to talk to everyone he saw, and any talk of Oklahoma, Texas, or the Alamo would get him talking for hours. He had such a big heart, and has helped many people throughout his lifetime. On January 31, 2015 at 1:31pm my father went to his heavenly home after fighting this disease for over 3 years. Iam sure ashe made his way he said, "Here I am, Lord".If there is one thing that Alzheimer's has taught me it is to never let a moment go unnoticed or unappreciated. Each moment counts and I am blessed to have had a father like him. I walk to end Alzheimer's this day, so that other daughters won't have to see their father this way. I walk to give hope to those that are forgetful, and only wish to remember days past. I walk to remind you how precious memories truly are. And dad, I walk for you, now and always.Here I am, Lord.. That is the title of my father's favorite song. No matter how far his memory left him, those song lyrics never left my father's mind. In September 2011, my father was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's. At the age of 79, many people were not surprised to hear this, but as his 19 year old daughter at the time, I was shocked. There aren't words to explain how it made me feel to hear that my own father had fallen into the hands of the disease I had only heard of, never thinking it would affect me. My dad was one of those men that wanted to talk to everyone he saw, and any talk of Oklahoma, Texas, or the Alamo would get him talking for hours. He had such a big heart, and has helped many people throughout his lifetime. On January 31, 2015 at 1:31pm my father went to his heavenly home after fighting this disease for over 3 years. I am sure as he made his way he said, "Here I am, Lord". If there is one thing that Alzheimer's has taught me it is to never let a moment go unnoticed or unappreciated. Each moment counts and I am blessed to have had a father like him. I walk to end Alzheimer's this day, so that other daughters won't have to see their father this way. I walk to give hope to those that are forgetful, and only wish to remember days past. I walk to remind you how precious memories truly are. And dad, I walk for you, now and always.