Is 2010 over already?
Man, that went fast. My 9th grade math teacher told me that “from now on, every year for the rest of your life will go faster.” So far, he’s been right.
In terms of the Project, I couldn’t have asked for a better 2010. In July I partnered with the great folks at the Alzheimer’s Association and embarked on my first ever national tour. It’s a special experience to literally carry you story from city to city (along with a cardboard box full of art supplies). Thanks so much to all of you out there (both caregivers and afflicted) who sat around those tables, bravely shared your stories, and got your hands dirty for the cause. I have so many postcards in my Spaces treasure chest now I have to use my knee to close it. And though, in terms of putting it together, I may be living up to my childhood nickname of “Poky” (you can imagine my family waiting impatiently in the car as I saunter out the front door—always the last one out—shoes untied, dragging my coat behind), I promise I am in the process of doing something special with the cards.
2010 was a year of breakthroughs. After years of persistence, we finally got the National Alzheimer’s Project Act signed into law—a huge and important milestone. I feel proud to have gone down to Capitol Hill last March and been a part of it. There was also some breakthrough research about the importance of non-pharmacological care for Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients, especially as related to the arts. In a way, these studies are confirming what we knew all along: that while a person afflicted with Alzheimer’s may seem withdrawn or “vanished”, they still respond to human touch, to loving attention, and to art. Even as spatial logic and reasoning blurs, emotion persists. Huge thanks to all the caregivers out there. Your strength inspires me.
