Yesterday I had my first Zoom catchup with seven other Kiwis who all have younger onset dementia. It was both tragic and hilarious all at the same time.
The bit that cracked me up beforehand is that the lovely lady from Dementia NZ must have sent five reminder emails in the days before and two texts on the day itself. That is a woman who understands her audience well!
We all shared three things that were positive in our lives at the moment - some were as simple as being able to go outside and others included catch ups with loved ones not seen for a while.
I raised something with the group that has been really niggling at me - it’s driving. Should I be driving around when I know that my brain isn’t always up for it? They all had differing opinions but that actually helped me reach my decision more easily.
It really is up to each person to decide what they do with the help of those around them. Two had stopped driving the day they got their diagnosis and have sold their cars. The rest were a mixed bag - some drive everywhere and others only when they have to.
I have decided to hang up my keys for driving further afield than Featherston. My reasoning is that I can only go a max of 50km, I know the roads really well and it means I can easily get to church, the op shop and supermarket.
There will come a day when I won’t be able to drive at all and that really will cut me off from the world in many ways. I plan to walk everywhere weather permitting and go on adventures in a car with Greg behind the wheel and Gabe on my lap.
It’s a big decision but I feel certain that it’s the right one.