Hit The Road Jack

Amidst the challenges of having a family member with dementia, I acknowledge the difficulty it poses for everyone. Yet, there's a part of me that contemplates the unique perspective that dementia can offer, a gift in its own way.

I once had a dear friend who received the devastating news of terminal cancer. Surprisingly, she carried on with life as if everything was fine. It seemed as if dementia had granted her the ability to be oblivious to the impending stresses of her mortality. She genuinely had no inkling of her illness, enabling her to embrace life with peace and joy.

In this way, I believe dementia can be a gift from God, allowing individuals to navigate the challenging journey between diagnosis and the inevitable. An encounter with a patient today reinforces this notion. As I step into his room, the nurses are singing him a heartfelt happy birthday. One nurse affectionately mentions, "He's my favorite patient."

As I prepare to conduct an EKG, I quickly realize why. There he lies, half-naked, with a radiant smile on his face, singing aloud:

"Hit the road Jack and don't you come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more"

"What you say? Hit the road Jack and don't you come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more"

"You are in your happy place," I remark to him. His smile broadens, and he pauses his singing, responding, "Yes. Yes, I am.... Hit the road Jack..."

Throughout the day, this gentleman serenades us peacefully, finding solace and comfort in the melodies that resonate within his heart. While dementia may pose challenges, it can also offer moments of serenity and contentment, guiding individuals on their unique journeys through life.