You gotta fight... For your right... To Remember?

This fall, I helped start a support program for those experiencing early memory loss (i.e. those who have recently been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment [MCI] or Alzheimer's Disease). Our clients include a variety of backgrounds, including a New Yorker civil engineer, a British nanny, and even a former World War II veteran. To witness these established individuals, enjoying their well-deserved retirements, slowly losing their memories is like witnessing a slow paced tragedy.

The veteran reminisces about his old war times as a paramedic, transporting wounded soldier after soldier to the nearest area of safety or hospital. Crossing enemy lines on a daily basis, some days losing count of how many lives he saw to safety, or saw to their eternal rest. He risks his own life to save the lives of strangers, having only in common their will to fight for the allied power - ideally it'd be peace. I am honored to be in company with such a hero.

A fighter for his nation is now a fighter for his mind.

Lesson learned: Make the most out of your time. The memories you make now may be the only memories you can keep. Make every day, every moment, every breath count. Not as if it's your last, but make it count because it's worth it. Because you are.

Live. Learn. Love.

Don't wait.