“Illness can lead us to a deeper appreciation of our purpose and reason for being here, for we can no longer take everything for granted.”

-- Debbie Shapiro

My name is Barbara. I am a 71 year old new writer. I am dealing with Alzheimers / Dementia and write almost daily. I want to send a message of encouragement to others who have illness, that we are not handicapped until we no longer try. There are many who just give up at the sound of the words spoken.

I will write for as long as I can. I am a writer with plans of becoming a published author. I have far to go, but can only get there one step at a time.

I am ‘housebound’ due to other health issues, so for mE to go past the front door once or twice a week is an experience to awaken all my senses and write about. As I explain to everyone, I have gone from being me to being mE through this transformation.

My illness did mE a favor by stopping mE, giving mE time to ‘smell the roses’ once more. Remember lazy summer days of sleeping late, no homework, and just being a kid? To truly live, unlock those doors once again. It won’t magically come to you unless you seek it for yourself. The simplest pleasures, costing nothing but a little time, will do more for a child or adult than anything money can buy.

Slow down before you are forced to. Good luck. I pray you find wildflowers in the rain as I did.

~ Bobute (the old soul) mE (Bobute is in honor of my Lithuanian/Gypsy grandmother, whom I love dearly.)

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

-- Helen Keller

Read more of Barbara/Bobute’s story.