Friday 27 May 2011

Churchill War Rooms, London

After been awarded a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship i wanted to develop my knowledge around the man himself too!!! So off i went to London to visit the War Rooms....it was a fasinating museum with sound extracts to help imagination and thoughts around the period!
As i was walking around the War Rooms i felt really proud, being a fellow - representing his trust and the UK. I hope to bring developing research and knowledge back to the UK on my return....

'Alzheimers from the INSIDE OUT', by Richard Taylor

After speaking with MOMA's Carrie McGee, she advised me to read 'Alzheimer's from the INSIDE OUT' by Richard Taylor.

From a young age i haven't really been much of a reader but this book totally captures my thoughts and imagination - its unbelievable and a great insight into understanding the feelings of those with Dementia. I certainly would advise anyone to read this....

It begins with an extract from Richard Taylor's wife who is struggling to come to terms with Richard's diagnosis. Then swaps to his own personal thoughts and feelings relating to his diagnosis.....which develops and twists as the book goes on. Every question that i possessed was answered whilst reading this book....Richard literally covers every aspect and tried everything to prolong his life and memory. Truely moving....

Quotes from the book which sum up and provide true insight into living with Alzheimer's:

'I have no idea who i will be when i am wheeled out for the final act on Alzheimer's stage. But, I do know i will be...i will still be me....perhaps a me different from what i have ever been before'.

'Singing something, anything, from childrens songs to hymns...helps me feel that i am feeling okay and, in fact, good.'

'Right now i am more more concerned with the transition, the process, the journey, from being of two minds to being of one diseased mind'.