Dearest Family and Friends,
On Monday, July 20, 2009, my grandmother, Elvira Moore, peacefully departed from this earth. My grandmother (known to most as Elvie or Lani) had an incredible life. Starting in her teen years, she became a beloved singer in the Philippines and Hawaii. All who met Elvie instantly fell in love with her dazzling personality and radiant smile. She was a woman who exuded class and elegance unprecedented in today’s world.
About seven years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It didn’t seem fair… She was a breast cancer survivor and now inflicted with Alzheimer’s?? At least breast cancer was something she was able to fight with chemo and radiation. For Alzheimer’s, there is no shield or sword. It comes, it conquers, and along the way it emotionally defeats those in close proximity.
I first realized the detriment of the disease five years ago. I volunteered to help my grandmother get ready for a family party. Shower... clothes… hair... makeup… I cried. This woman lovingly and selflessly took care of me for so many years. She drew me baths, cooked meals, stuffed me full of candy, and pampered me with hugs and kisses. I was happy to return the favor, but sad to realize that life comes full circle. We are taken care of in the early years, independent in the middle, then cared for again in the later years; at least this is the case for some. Sadly, I don’t think that was the path my grandmother would have chosen for herself. She was always the one taking care of us and she lived for it!
One characteristic about my grandmother’s prognosis, in comparison to other diseases, is how much it directly affected the family. People, like my grandfather, had their lives turned upside down. The burden of reversing roles and watching the love of your life, your best friend, disappear in a painstakingly slow manner. But, luckily for my grandmother, my grandfather’s love for her was unwavering. He stayed by her side literally holding her hand through it all.
A few weeks ago, on September 28, my grandfather, Robert Dean Moore, also passed from this earth. Alas, he was reunited with his beloved wife for eternity. Before my grandmother passed, my grandfather had comfort in just being next to her, looking at her beautiful face, knowing she was there. I know there is no other place he would rather be than with her in heaven.
I have been thinking about life and the legacy we leave behind. My grandmother had an incredible one. Aside from her singing career, she was a caring, compassionate, vibrant woman. Most of all, she had passion in everything she did. Passion for singing and entertaining. Passion for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Passion for taking care of others.
My grandfather, like my grandmother, had passion. His passion was her. During their last few months together it was a privilege to witness their sweet, endearing moments; their passion for each other.
So I’ve been thinking… What will my legacy be? It has yet to be determined, but in the meantime, I want to strive for passion. Passion for a cause. To not sit and wait for others to get things done. Passion to be a part of a movement that will make a difference, whether it be in the life of one person or the lives of millions.
On October 31, 2009, my family and I are participating in the Huntington Beach Memory Walk. Memory Walk is an event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. All Memory Walk donations benefit the Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
You are invited join our family in the Memory Walk or you if you’d like to help out, you may donate to our team’s fundraising efforts. A cure for Alzheimer’s would be incredible, but at the very least, a better understanding of the disease would make a huge difference. You can click on the link below (or copy and paste) to be directed to my team page for more information. Memory Walk- Team Page
http://memorywalk.kintera.
Whether it be this or something else, I invite you to be part of a cause. By donating time, helping with fundraising, or simply becoming more aware of important issues, you influence the outcome! Five minutes or $5, even small gestures encourage change.
If you are interested in learning about other causes, Take Part is a great resource of information www.takepart.com
Here’s hoping for a life filled with passion and the passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Leave behind a legacy that will be admired and remembered for generations.
Much love!
Always,
Jenelle
On Monday, July 20, 2009, my grandmother, Elvira Moore, peacefully departed from this earth. My grandmother (known to most as Elvie or Lani) had an incredible life. Starting in her teen years, she became a beloved singer in the Philippines and Hawaii. All who met Elvie instantly fell in love with her dazzling personality and radiant smile. She was a woman who exuded class and elegance unprecedented in today’s world.
About seven years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It didn’t seem fair… She was a breast cancer survivor and now inflicted with Alzheimer’s?? At least breast cancer was something she was able to fight with chemo and radiation. For Alzheimer’s, there is no shield or sword. It comes, it conquers, and along the way it emotionally defeats those in close proximity.
I first realized the detriment of the disease five years ago. I volunteered to help my grandmother get ready for a family party. Shower... clothes… hair... makeup… I cried. This woman lovingly and selflessly took care of me for so many years. She drew me baths, cooked meals, stuffed me full of candy, and pampered me with hugs and kisses. I was happy to return the favor, but sad to realize that life comes full circle. We are taken care of in the early years, independent in the middle, then cared for again in the later years; at least this is the case for some. Sadly, I don’t think that was the path my grandmother would have chosen for herself. She was always the one taking care of us and she lived for it!
One characteristic about my grandmother’s prognosis, in comparison to other diseases, is how much it directly affected the family. People, like my grandfather, had their lives turned upside down. The burden of reversing roles and watching the love of your life, your best friend, disappear in a painstakingly slow manner. But, luckily for my grandmother, my grandfather’s love for her was unwavering. He stayed by her side literally holding her hand through it all.
A few weeks ago, on September 28, my grandfather, Robert Dean Moore, also passed from this earth. Alas, he was reunited with his beloved wife for eternity. Before my grandmother passed, my grandfather had comfort in just being next to her, looking at her beautiful face, knowing she was there. I know there is no other place he would rather be than with her in heaven.
I have been thinking about life and the legacy we leave behind. My grandmother had an incredible one. Aside from her singing career, she was a caring, compassionate, vibrant woman. Most of all, she had passion in everything she did. Passion for singing and entertaining. Passion for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Passion for taking care of others.
My grandfather, like my grandmother, had passion. His passion was her. During their last few months together it was a privilege to witness their sweet, endearing moments; their passion for each other.
So I’ve been thinking… What will my legacy be? It has yet to be determined, but in the meantime, I want to strive for passion. Passion for a cause. To not sit and wait for others to get things done. Passion to be a part of a movement that will make a difference, whether it be in the life of one person or the lives of millions.
On October 31, 2009, my family and I are participating in the Huntington Beach Memory Walk. Memory Walk is an event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. All Memory Walk donations benefit the Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
You are invited join our family in the Memory Walk or you if you’d like to help out, you may donate to our team’s fundraising efforts. A cure for Alzheimer’s would be incredible, but at the very least, a better understanding of the disease would make a huge difference. You can click on the link below (or copy and paste) to be directed to my team page for more information. Memory Walk- Team Page
http://memorywalk.kintera.
Whether it be this or something else, I invite you to be part of a cause. By donating time, helping with fundraising, or simply becoming more aware of important issues, you influence the outcome! Five minutes or $5, even small gestures encourage change.
If you are interested in learning about other causes, Take Part is a great resource of information www.takepart.com
Here’s hoping for a life filled with passion and the passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Leave behind a legacy that will be admired and remembered for generations.
Much love!
Always,
Jenelle
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