Today’s a new day! When I started this blog many years ago, I never realized the places that God would take me. The good times and the not so good times. The blessings and hard times that come to us in this journey called life. But over the years, I have learned that even in those difficult seasons of life, that God is always there. Always ready to listen. To lend a helping hand. To love us and comfort us. I have learned that yes, we can be thankful ….. even when our heart and mind tells us that there is no reason to be. I have leaned that in everything to be grateful. So as I continue to walk through these health challenges, I am blessed to have a bride that is willing to walk with me through this crazy beautiful health journey. It is my prayer that the Lord will use our journey to help encourage people and that they will find hope……. In Jesus. So I will continue to embrace new opportunities and be renewed by God’s Hope, Peace and His Word. I will continue to walk this journey with… a thankful and willing heart to serve. ~OC
Flashing Neon Sign
Today’s a new day! As with many neurological illnesses there is nothing noticeable about my condition. It’s not like a broken leg or arm where there is a cast which is obvious when seeing the person. But I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the same old words since my diagnosis last fall, Todd, you do not look like you have dementia.
I often wonder if it comes down to the fact that people feel uncomfortable talking to me about it, so they say the first thing that comes to mind. Which at times can come across as very insensitive and judgmental. Since my diagnosis of early onset dementia caused by my Parkinson’s, I have had several people tell me I do not look or act like someone with dementia. Or Todd, maybe you’re just dealing with an infection of some kind and just need to take some antibiotics. I would be overjoyed if that was actually the case. But I have some amazing doctors and they didn’t come up with this diagnosis lightly.
What does dementia look like? There is no cast or bandage to put on it. I guess I could wear a flashing neon sign that says, “HELLO, I HAVE EARLY ONSET DEMENTIA!” that lets people know of my latest diagnosis.
But seriously, I am walking through a very new and strange season of life, but I know I am not the only one. It simply gets frustrating when people decide to find a different diagnosis or make you doubt your current state of health because they do not like the diagnosis. It can be irritating and cruel when people doubt you and your medical team. Believe me, no one wants to sit in a doctor’s office and hear the words “You have early onset dementia.”
I do think that part of this attitude is because people have a hard time believing someone in their 50’s could have an “old person’s” disease. Also the topic of dementia is not an easy or fun subject to talk about. It can be easier to just ignore it or try to explain it away.
I also believe people have their own preconceived beliefs about dementia and I and many others suffering from this horrible disease do not fit in their picture of dementia.
So please do me a favor. Stop putting your personal beliefs or opinions on those suffering from a visually invisible disease or one that you don’t like. Life with dementia is already hard enough. Thanks for listening. ~OC
My Life With Dementia
Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, I have always wanted to be upfront and honest when sharing my journey with you. So this morning, I want to share a post I have been working on for several weeks. It’s my life with dementia. I apologize in advance for the long post.
When I was diagnosed with young onset dementia last year, part of me thought there has to be a mistake, but it was also a relief to have some answers on why my life seemed a little out of focus. But it was still hard to hear “you have dementia.” Like so many people diagnosed with young-onset dementia, I was still planning a future with my bride. How was dementia showing up in my 50’s?
But here I am, almost a year later.
What I have learned is a dementia diagnosis isn’t the end of life. It just means life looks a little different.
Of course my life has looked a little different for the last twenty-three years dealing with multiple health issues. But over the last two decades, my faith and life experiences have taught me it’s possible to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and even joyful life even while dealing with the uncertainty of declining health. A diagnosis of dementia was not going to change that. At least I hope and pray that will be the case.
So as I walk out this journey called dementia, I wanted to share a few things that are working for me. This is not a neat how to live with dementia list, because dementia is not an easy follow these instructions and everything will be okay disease. No, dementia is a unpredictable roller coaster ride. Every day brings new challenges, but also new opportunities.
My hope and prayer is that this blog post will help create conversations. If you’re living with dementia, or supporting someone who is, I hope these tools help you live a full life regardless of the diagnosis.
My Dementia Toolbox:
I choose to live each day with Hope and Purpose.
I choose to live a life full of new adventures. Never stop making memories with family and friends.
I choose to maintain my independence as long as possible.
I choose to continue connecting with family and friends.
I choose to adapt to the changes dementia brings and never give up.
I choose to hold onto my identity and what makes me “me.”
I choose to keep learning new things each day.
I choose to live out my life and faith.
I choose not to avoid the declines that dementia brings, but to make the most out of every day and refuse to let dementia silence me.
Finally, living with dementia is not an easy journey. There are moments of loss and frustration, but there are also unexpected discoveries, laughs, and the good will of family and friends. ~OC
Attitude of Gratitude
Today’s a new day! As we move through the busyness of life, it’s easy to look around at everything we do not have instead of taking the time to slow down and be thankful for everything we do have in life. In the coming days and weeks, I want to focus on having an attitude of gratitude.
As I have walked through this crazy beautiful health journey, I have made the choice to be grateful for the lessons and blessings I have experienced along the way. I believe that decision has transformed my life and hopefully a few other people along the way. As a Christian, I have much to be grateful for. I have been blessed with the gift of salvation through Jesus, I have the Holy Spirit living inside me and I have a loving God who cares for me and provides for my needs. But if I am not careful, I can start taking these blessings for granted and focus on the things I do not have.
That’s why it’s so important for us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Living a life of gratitude can have a profound and positive impact on our overall health and our relationships with others. ~OC
Temporary Privilege
Today’s a new day! Spoiler Alert: Facing struggles in our Christian walk is normal. In 1 Peter 4:12 we read the following, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Throughout the Bible, we read story after story of Christians facing tough times and struggling. But we also read, that those struggles produced growth and many invaluable lessons were learned. As we walk through the tough times in life, it’s our choice how we respond to those challenges. Our struggles shape us. God wants to give us more than ease and comfort in life. He desires that we become more like Him. In order for that to happen, we must walk through seasons of suffering.
As I continue to walk through this very short journey called life, I have come to realize that this is the only time I will have the opportunity to glorify God in the midst of my struggles.
Here are a few questions God has put on my heart over the years, as I have walked my crazy beautiful health journey:
*Do I look at my current health struggles as a privilege and opportunity to grow and possibly help someone else walking through their own struggles?
*As I face trials and hardships, do I look at them as opportunities to honor God? To actually live by faith and not by sight. To truly be His hands and feet.
The pain I suffer as I deal with my current health issues is not fun, but through it all I am excited to hopefully honor God during this journey. Over the years, I have learned to count it a privilege to struggle well.
So today, as you reflect on this post and more importantly on your own life, do you consider the struggles you face in your Christian walk as a temporary privilege? ~OC
I’m Blessed
Today’s a new day! This morning God led me to read Psalm 63. What a beautiful and encouraging chapter. I encourage each of you to take the time to read over this amazing chapter.
In Psalm 63, we read about God’s love and David’s response. It is filled with some amazing lessons. Here is one that God brought to my mind.
Have you ever said or heard someone make the statement, “I’m Blessed.” Most of us have uttered those words at least once in our lives. I do not use this phrase much, but it came to me as I was studying the scriptures this morning. So how would you describe being “blessed?” I’m glad you asked.
As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I am blessed that God is present in my struggle. Knowing that I am not alone facing the uncertainties of this journey is a blessing. Feeling God’s love and kindness is a blessing. Living with the hope that my health issues are not the end of my story is a blessing.
Have you experienced God’s blessings in your own life? Think carefully. When have you felt alone, and a sudden thought or call reminded you of God’s presence? When have you been walking through a tough situation in your life and God reminded you that you’re not alone? When have you felt forgotten like nobody cares about you, and suddenly something happened that reminded you of God’s loving kindness? Each of those moments are blessings.
Remembering the ways that we have been blessed should give us a desire to give blessings. Remember in Psalm 63, we read that David chose a lifetime of singing God’s praises.
God’s blessings should transform us in such a way that they change our understanding of ourselves and of Him. Our lives should be filled with caring for others and passing on God’s blessings. Every time we take a breath, every time we speak and every time we serve.
So here is today’s challenge for each of us:
Take in a deep breath and give God praise. Allow him to remind you of all the ways he has blessed you in each area of your life. Carry those beautiful memories with you, as you go about your day and face the different challenges the day might bring. And take time to bless someone else today. ~OC
No Limitations
Today’s a new day! As most of you know, I am using a walker these days to assist me getting around. The last two weeks were tough, as I went through multiple test and treatments at the hospital. As I was sitting here thinking about everything that’s been going on with my health the last few weeks, I had to stop and give God praise. You see, the enemy thought he got the best of me because of my limited ability to get around and having to deal with two weeks in the hospital. But the truth is, my limited ability to be get around does not effect my ability to continue serving God. Never allow the enemy or anyone else to shackle you with their limitations. Keep your eyes focused on God and finish strong. ~OC
Waiting
Today’s a new day! As I continue this current hospital stay, there is a lot of waiting around. Waiting for the next test, bloodwork, having my vitals checked and for the doctors to come by. As I wait, I often lean into the words from Galatians 5:22-23 which tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” This fruit of the Spirit comes from…the Spirit. It’s an obvious statement, but how easy is it to actually believe that joy, peace, and patience come solely from our circumstances or situations?
Throughout my times of waiting, I have learned that true peace is not just a feeling of being happy and calm. True peace does not come from the outcome of a test result, MRI scan, or new diagnosis. No, true peace comes from knowing God and knowing that nothing can separate us from Him and His love (Romans 8:35-39). True peace comes from knowing that God has known and loved me since the very beginning of time (Psalm 139). Sometimes late at night when the fear, anxiety, and what-ifs try creeping into my thoughts, I lean into the truth of God’s word and His promises. There have been times when I had to fight for peace and had to plead with God to help me trust Him. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phillippians 4:6) when we take our anxieties and burdens to God and trust in Him. Oh, what sweet peace it is to live in as I continue to wait. ~OC
Things I Love
Today’s a new day! As I sit in my hospital room receiving treatments and there being more questions than answers, I started reflecting on life and everything going on around the world. And the conclusion I came up with… the world is a mess.
Do not stop reading yet. This is not going to be a post about all the negative things going on around the world. That would be too easy to write about and very depressing. No, today I am going to share about things that I love and that make me happy. So, here we go.
I love hearing my bride Laura’s voice and seeing her face the first thing in the morning. I love making memories with my bride and making her laugh. I love God. I love hanging out with good friends. I love my family and friends. I love puppies. I love watching manatees. I love sports. I love 80’s music. I love a great movie. I love reading a book that I cannot put down. I love seeing old couples still holding hands. I love hearing babies laugh. I love seeing people overcome great obstacles. I love seeing people laugh and be happy.
I love watching planes fly over and wondering where they’re headed. I love laughing for no particular reason. I love encouraging people. I love walking through a bookstore. I love history. I love visiting museums and historical places. I love to daydream. I love lighthouses. I love my quiet time with God. I love hearing the rain at night. I love the quiet of the morning before the rest of the world wakes up.
I love people watching. I love to pray for people. I love the theatre. I love shopping for running shoes. I love a great t-shirt. I love meeting new people. I love reminiscing about days gone by. I love my medical team past and present. I love a large cup of ice tea with extra ice. I love loving people and being loved. I love still being in awe of God’s creation.
I love watching and listening to birds with my bride. I love a road trip. I love thinking about friends from my school days and thankful I am still in touch with many of them. I love thinking about the ones I have lost touch with and hope they’re living amazing lives. I love that laughter is more contagious than the flu. I love hearing about answered prayers. I love watching people succeed in life. I love cruises. I love hanging out with positive people. I love receiving cards in the mail.
I love watching people pull over on the side of the road to take pictures of a beautiful rainbow. I love old churches and buildings. I love small towns. I love beautiful sunrises. I love amazing sunsets. I love taking pictures. I love the Fall and Winter seasons. I love making up songs. I love singing in the car.
I love mornings. I love a great diner. I love city life. I love watching the ocean. I love sitting on a porch in the mountains. I love old houses. I love a cup of hot chocolate made with milk not water. I love to learn new things. I love hearing a great sermon. I love to write. I love great conversations. I love when people are respectful and kind.
I love all of you for caring enough to read this post. What does your love list look like? ~OC
Taking A Break
Today’s a new day! I love connecting with people on social media and reading about what everyone is up to. I also love sharing my thoughts and journey through social media and my blog. But I believe it’s time for a break from social media and my blog post.
The past several weeks, I have noticed the time I am spending on social media constantly increasing. I began wondering how much life am I missing by being on social media so much. The Pay Attention and Embrace Life portion of my brain sounded something like this:
“This crazy beautiful health journey is making life more difficult in so many areas of my life. I need to spend more time embracing life instead of looking at a screen. I need to make time for more face to face interactions and less online interactions. I need to spend more time reading a great book and experiencing new music. Or maybe spending more time enjoying the music of my youth and remembering the many memories that those songs bring back. As my health continues to decline, do I really want to spend precious time staring at a screen? Or do I want to make more memories with my bride, family and friends? I need to be present for them. I need to let go of social media in all areas for a little while and give those around me more time and attention. I need to focus on things that truly matter instead of having my eyes and mind focused on some type of screen.”
“Not only that, but I really need a break. I need to recharge. I need some time to focus on things other than what I am going to write about in my blog or post on social media. With my health issues becoming more of a challenge, it’s getting more difficult to write out my thoughts. I need to use my energy and the brain cells I have left on living life and making amazing memories.”
With that in mind, I have decided to take some time away from all social media and my blog. I have no idea how long this break will last. It will last as long as I feel God telling me to stay away. I believe that a break will breathe some new life into my creativity, which is never a bad thing in the realm of writing. I hope you all understand.
So, I want to wish everyone a Happy Birthday and Anniversary that I might miss as I am away. I pray your summer is filled with family, friends, vacations and good memories. Take time for the important things in life.
Feel free to come by and visit if possible or give me a call. Let’s stay in contact the old school way…in person or actually talking on the phone. See you later. God Bless. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 