Running--My Saving Grace Living with Dementia

Author: Holly Eburne

Author: Holly Eburne

Two years ago, my world dramatically changed when my husband, Dave, 59, was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia. It surprises me how this latest challenge, including the grief of slowly losing my husband of 31 years, is enriching my life. I would not trade it for the one before his diagnosis. When I was a teenager, I would go for a run as a way to help me deal with the stresses of high school, and it continues to be my 'saving grace' through this difficult time. You might wonder why running has such a profound effect on me, but when you read my story, you will understand. It is early Sunday morning, as I lace up my running shoes and head out for a peaceful jog along our country road. The moment I step outside, I feel grateful for being healthy enough to do this. Four and a half years ago, an orthopedic surgeon told me that my running days are over, due to serious leg injuries after falling down the stairs. Typically, I was in a hurry, carrying a load of laundry, without bothering to turn on the light. The shortened version of what happened, was that 36 hours later, I was having surgery to repair 4 fractures and a dislocated ankle. On my follow-up visits to the doctor, he told me to hang up my running shoes because at my age (51), my ankle would be too stiff and unstable for running. Little did he know about the powers of positive thinking, and extensive rehab. As I make my way down our winding, gravel driveway, I watch Dave take off on his bike--relieved that he is still physically and mentally able, to ride. I am also glad that he decided to let me run on my own. Lately, I've had more need to spend time by myself, calming my fears, and the chatter inside my brain. At the bottom of our driveway, a couple of juvenile Western Kingbirds, hover about 3 feet above my head saying hello, while goldfinches sing sweetly in the Saskatoon bushes, feasting on berries. The sun is warm, despite it being early in the morning, and the sky is clear blue, with the moon still visible. A little further along the road, I am searching for, and stepping on tiny tussock moth caterpillars, which are destroying our forests of fir trees. Just after squishing one, I look up in time to see a white-tail deer heading down to the creek for a drink. There are giant Ponderosa pine trees shading much of my run, and I hear a variety of songbirds, tweeting and twittering in the bushes lining the creek. Butterflies, of all colors and sizes, gently flutter around me, while I watch the horses in the fields swishing their tails to keep the flies off. At the cattle guard, which is my turn-around point, I notice some baby bear droppings, thankful that he and his mom have not discovered our 20-odd bird feeders surrounding our house and pond. My thigh muscles are feeling alive with the workout; sweat is trickling down my back, and I am 'conscious' of an incredible sense of peace--the lines on my forehead and the crease between my eyes are relaxing; my jaw is no longer clenched; my shoulders have dropped away from my ears. I will not pretend or deny that life is not challenging, with many agonizing moments, but how Dave and I are choosing to live with them, is bringing welcomed joy into my life. The gift of running fills my soul with gratitude, for what I have in my life, instead of what I am losing.About the Author:

Holly is a Sport Physiotherapist (28 years),professional Health coach, business owner (Usana Health Sciences) and contributing author to the bestselling book, Overcomers Inc.-true stories of Hope, Courage & Inspiration.

For stories about how Holly is thriving as a caregiver for her husband with Frontotemporal dementia, visit her blog: http://hollyeburne.com/blog/

Valuable brain tips can be found on Holly's website: http://hollyeburne.com

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