Not even sure I should post this, even though it's on topic.

Ed1937

I was having breakfast at a restaurant this morning, when I received a scholarship essay my granddaughter wrote. I was eating, with tears running down my cheeks. After all, it's about my granddaughter and my wife.

"The key that unlocks doors, education is the most valuable asset one can have in life. Education brings opportunity, opportunity brings experience, and experience brings wisdom. Wisdom is passed down to younger generations and the knowledge gained is something that can never be taken away. It should be shared freely for the good of individuals, communities and our nation. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, then a Master’s degree in nursing. Ultimately I aim to make a career in hospital administration. There I can educate people and establish unique policies that promote the utmost respect, kindness and care for patients suffering from dementia; people just like my grandmother. Ideally this would flow not only into other healthcare facilities, but also into local businesses and residents, to create a dementia-friendly community for all. I am determined to make a positive impact on this world and I can't wait to get started!

The person who has been the most influential in my life is my maternal grandma, Carole. The mother of 9 children, she was everybody’s mom and grandma. Inviting neighbors, friends and even strangers into her home, she made sure everyone was comfortable and well fed. Always setting two extra plates on the table for whoever happened to stop by, she cooked family dinner nearly every evening for 60 years.

Despite being an excellent student, my grandmother had to drop out of high school due to financial hardship. Determined to not let it hold her down, Grandma earned her GED instead. She went on to attend Indiana University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in nursing and, of course, she graduated at the top of her class, all while raising 9 children!  

My grandmother was a leader in her field and became a Director of Nursing in a residential elder-care facility. She went to great lengths to ensure her own patients with dementia were properly attended to and accepted, no matter where they were in their dementia journeys. She inspired me to make a difference for people from all walks of life and nursing is the best way I can do that.  

When the pandemic hit, my eighty year old grandmother, who had been retired for many years and who also happened to have dementia, told me she was getting her uniform so she could volunteer to help the world and spread some hope. It's not surprising because that was her nature, to sacrifice herself in order to help others. Her legacy of kindness and giving through nursing is my inspiration. She wore a locket that said, "Always be a little kinder than necessary," and she passed her wisdom down to me. I hope I am half the woman my grandmother was."

Caro_Lynne

Wow Ed, what a beautiful tribute to your DW. Gave me goosebumps reading it. Thanks for sharing xo

Jeanne C.

Amazing, Ed. Your wife sounds incredible and what a lovely legacy for your granddaughter. I'm sure her essay will be well-received by the admissions committee.

LJCHR

Ed, thank you for sharing this. I know you are so proud of your granddaughter. What a beautiful essay and tribute to both you and your wife.

It also makes you focus on the impact this horrible disease has on everyone who has a loved one with it.

Buggytoo

What a gem of a grandchild! And such a loving tribute to your dear wife!

jsps139_

Always be a little kinder than necessary…that is special! Thanks for sharing this. It made my day! And today, I will strive to be a little kinder than necessary. Please tell your granddaughter how truly special we think she is. ❤️

Cecil Jones

Thanks for posting. Like the rest it touched my heart...gives me a little hope for the world. Thank you.

mommyandme (m&m)

Thank you for sharing! Kudos to you and your wife! Such a lovely tribute.

jfkoc

glad you posted this...

Rocky2

Ed, thanks for posting this. Clearly your DW was a role model for your granddaughter. You should be very proud of her. I wish her the very best in her studies and future career. If the path she envisions in the essay comes to fruition, she will leave very big footprints for those who follow to walk in.

Tom

JeriLynn66

Thank you for posting and God Bless ❤️

Mint

Ed I also want to Thank You for sharing this. It’s always encouraging to met a kind person.

White Crane

Ed, thank you so much for sharing this. What a wonderful and special tribute to your dear wife. What a wonderful granddaughter you have.

A. Marie

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/68408/not-even-sure-i-should-post-this-even-though-its-on-topic

Ed, I teared up reading this. What an amazing family you have.

WIGO23

I think it is very much on topic! Thank you for posting. It reminds all of us that our dear ones struck with this cruel disease are more than the disease.

trottingalong

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/68408/not-even-sure-i-should-post-this-even-though-its-on-topic

That made me tear up. Just beautiful.

Ed1937

Thank you all for the positive feedback. I guess we shouldn't expect anything less from the people here. What a great group!

Joydean

Mr Ed thank you so much for sharing. What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful wife. A special granddaughter and I hope her dreams come true!

SSHarkey

Ed, this is wonderful! We all want to know we’ve had some sort of positive impact on the lives around us. Your granddaughter is her legacy. This is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Last Dance

It seemed so strange that I would come to this site this morning. In June of 2017 I lost my wife after 11-year battle with Alzheimer's. Last May I lost my only daughter to cancer.

For a long time I stayed on this site to try to add support to those who need it, but it got to be so depressing for me I just stopped.

For some reason I decided to get on this site this morning and I saw your post. I am glad that you shared it with us. It’s a tribute not only to your wife, but to the legacy that she passed on to your granddaughter. To the love that you and your wife passed on to your granddaughter. I pray that everything that she wants in life and every achievement she wants to accomplish will happen for her. God's blessings to you Ed.

Richard

Beachfan

How beautiful a tribute to your lovely Carole! I hope all your granddaughter’s dreams come true (and a little scholarship money thrown in to sweeten the pot!). You must be so proud.

Denise1847

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/68408/not-even-sure-i-should-post-this-even-though-its-on-topic

Wow! What a beautiful essay and tribute to your wife. She, indeed, has quite a legacy. Your granddaughter is very impressive. I do believe she will carry on to meet the goals she has set.

housefinch

Our world needs more people like your granddaughter and your wife. Absolutely lovely.