Hello,
My name is Sharon and I'm a Christian. I'm a retired elementary school counselor and was a teacher before that. I was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD) in February, 2007, in Little Rock, AR. My son & daughter moved me to Kansas that April to be close to my daughter, who'll be my caregiver as my disease progresses. However, my diagnosis was changed in September, 2008, to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The MRI still shows atrophy (shrinkage) of my frontal & temporal lobes, but I do not have the symptoms of FTD. I say the 'real' reason for the diagnosis was to get me to move to Kansas to help my daughter and son-in-law with their twins, who were born in 2008. They've since moved to TN and I've followed.
Life is a journey & it never ceases to amaze me. One sure fact of life is that it's continually changing. My life is no exception. I truly believe our mission on earth is to help others. Since being put on disability in January, 1997, by my primary doctor & two neurologists, I found ways to help others. I founded & incorporated a charity organization, completed 14 weeks of training to become a lay chaplain, became a CASA volunteer, volunteered in hospital auxiliaries & organized 2 Prayer Shawl Ministries.
I'm a positive person, an encourager, love life and never was one to wish the moments away. This hasn't changed, no matter what has happened in my life. My strong faith in God is what has seen me through all the hard times, as well as all the good ones. Whenever I turn my problems over to God, He always comes through for me. I enjoy life and absolutely refuse to let the diagnosis of FTD or MCI to change that part of me. So, I'll continue to
Enjoy the Dance of Life...in Spite of FrontolTemporal Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, or whatever my fate shall be.
"I know the plans I have for you." declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:
I have created this to site to share the joys of my life, with my family & many friends that I've had to leave when I moved from Arkansas (where I lived all my life) & my dear friends that I left behind in Kansas. It's also for my new friends to help you understand me better. It will be a new and exciting journey, uncharted for sure. It is my hope and prayers that my journey will help more people understand dementia, FTD, MCI and realize that the diagnosis doesn't mean your life is over, just different. Hopefully, I can be a resource for others and be able to pass on what I learn along the way to make it easier to enjoy each day.
Blessings, Sharon