April 12, 2013. Harper, Texas. Gwennie.

Dementia is similar to a death.   The old spark and wit and intellect has disappeared, just as if your friend had died.   Gwen has not died but she is in an institution because she has dementia, and she no longer could be cared for by her husband George.   It is sad for them both.

George called me this evening to say they could not attend our 55th in October because Gwen is in an institution and he is not traveling.   The Salvation Army grapevine had kept me current as to her where a bouts so I was aware of Gwen's situation but it home tonight just how difficult it has been for the both of them.  George mentioned that Gwen was first diagnosed with dementia just before our 50th anniversary but Gwen insisted on coming.  In truth, it was difficult for her, because George said tonight that Gwen did not recognize many of the people.   Several friends have commented on Gwen's behaviour at the 50th.  She was quiet and reserved, definitely not the Gwennie we knew and loved.

Gwen was the only child of Salvation Army parents.  But the father died young,  leaving this sweet mother to raise Gwen.  She was blond and noisy and funny.   Her voice sounded as if she had chronic laryngitis, which added to her appeal.  We attended the same school  although she was two years younger and we attended the Corps Cadet Congress together in 1956.   She became a nurse, I a teacher, but we always kept in touch, until now.  She lived in Victoria,  I in Maryland.  She was a force to be reckoned with, was Gwen.   I miss her.