The good life...lived properly.

Alzheimer-riddled friend Ron continues to thrive. Of course, I speak that in a relative sense. Thriving. For an 86-year-old man, With dementia. And the survivor of a broken neck. From a fall last summer. Ron remains active. Physically. Mentally. Even emotionally.  I have never seen an Alzheimer patient quite like this. One might call it miraculous. But I suspect it's more a case of Ron being treated properly. Like everyone with Alzheimer's should be treated. With daily mental and physical stimulation. Delivered one-on-one. At a 5-bed residential care center called Arthur's Residence. In an idyllic setting. In a Twin Cities suburb. Where Ron is in short walking distance of a heavily wooded park. With paved trails. Making it possible for Ron to cavort outdoors. Daily. In a wheelchair. Or on foot. I'm visiting Ron twice a week. Not only to stimulate him. But also because Ron stimulates me. He's a marvel. And proof that when treated properly, those with Alzheimer's can still lead a reasonably productive and meaningful life. Indeed, that's encouraging. But also discouraging. In that very few of the Alzheimer-riddled get proper treatment. I wish other care-givers could sneak in. And observe what's happening to Ron. It's thrilling. And gratifying. Ron is immersed in good vibes therapy. Virtually round-the-clock. The same goes for other residents of Arthur's Residence. Norma, Sharon, Bee and Steve.  It's like one big happy Alzheimer's family. That's the way Ron thinks of it. He's found a home. And settled in. He's comfortable. At ease. And so are the others. Fact is. I'm comfortable, too. Every time I'm with Ron. Yes, life ain't all that bad. It's darn good. When lived properly and decently. --Jim Broede