When I sit to write these short articles, the website always helpfully suggests that my headline should be something eye catching. Well, after a few years of writing about Peter, my ability to conjure something pithy, poignant and perceptive has petered out (no pun intended but the alliteration pleases me. Hey, if the U3A can use alliteration for their strap line, then I'm duty bound to continue the trend.) However, I can always rely on Shakespeare to help me out. The above, from "All's Well That Ends Well" is tailor made for the talks Peter delivers.
Yesterday we spoke to over 60 people from the Stowmarket branch of the U3A. Peter pulls no punches when it comes to explaining his condition, when it comes to telling his story and when it comes to saying what changes he would like to see around the diagnosis process. His honesty has always been a pivotal point in his talks and the talk in Stowmarket was no exception.
For me, although I know much of what Peter is going to say, the trajectory of our talks is fascinating and unexpected and I always hear something fresh. I am forced to adapt my own responses and questions to accommodate his words. This is a good demonstration of how those around people living with dementia must adapt to suit their changes, and not the other way around. It also gives me pause for thought: as his journey changes, his emotions and views change and it's a real - and privileged - insight into his world.
Thanks to Keith from the U3A for organising our day, for his kind words and to all those who took the trouble to come and chat to us after the talk and, of course, to all those who bought our book and for persevering with the vagaries of my 'sum up' machine. Technology, eh!
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