Kelley Irwin

One day this week (April 2024), Dad said “Okay, let’s go.” He stood up and was off to meet the President.

Dad has always been a planner. He makes lists and plans and schedules. Every day of his life, he knows what he is going to do. He gets up early, gets ready for the day, and off he goes. Mom is his co-pilot through all the adventures and moves, job changes and family events.

They moved far away from home in a generation when that was not common. They were courageous, adventurous, and curious. They made friends everywhere they went. They were involved in their community. And Dad wrote letters. Letters to CEOs of companies, letters to political leaders, letters to local business owners. He had opinions and advice to share. He didn’t just talk around the dinner table about change that should happen, he offered solutions and his time and experience. He almost always got a response because he was respectful, helpful, articulate, and genuine. And many took him up on his offer to help.

So, on this day, when he said he needed to go because he was scheduled to meet the President, it wasn’t as surprising as you might think.

Mom asked if he wanted her to go with him. He said “of course”. She said “Do you want me to participate or just be there for support?” Dad answered, “I’ll nudge you if I need help. Just like I always do.” Mom smiled and I laughed.

We are 17 months post the formal medical diagnosis of dementia. There is no actual meeting with the President on this day. But his mind is busy and that makes me happy. I snapped the photo just before he stood up and walked away from me. A man on a mission.

He wants Mom there. And he may ask for help. Just like he always does.