Jun
4
Reflections on Oregon
by Maxim in
One month ago yesterday we left Seattle. We have travelled over six hundred miles, cycled in three states, crossed 8 bridges (in the photo is the highest in Oregon), fixed seven flat tires, sailed upon four ferries and rode one bus. It has been one of the longest and exciting months of my life. Two weeks ago we left Portland. Life on a bike allows plenty of time to reflect…
The intensity of Portland came fast and strong. We arrived Friday night and by Monday we were introduced to at least four COYOD and the majority of the crew from the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association during the showing of The Alzheimer’s Project. The night before Emily and I watched the first segment of the HBO series and it set the vehement tone for the coming week. We interviewed five stories. During two of them we were able to meet the person with Young Onset Dementia. These five meetings and interviews happened over the course of seven days.
The feeling of comradery is very comforting when hearing of others similar experiences. Though with each story told I am constantly reminded of my father and his disease. The repetition of facing my own experiences with my father’s disease over and over is emotionally exhausting. This goes beyond story sharing with other COYODs but with everyone we tell of our project. It is a daily event. There is a difference between facing the disease through observing my Dad than explaining to a stranger how destructive Young Onset Dementia truly is on a person and their family. The latter allows me to put an outside perspective on the reality of Young Onset Dementia. It also allows me to understand how it is affecting me not just my dad. I stress to everyone who is struggling to talk about a difficult topic to speak. A story has tremendous power.
Today we crossed into California. We have ahead of us four hundred and thirty miles until San Francisco. Thanks to all who have helped make this happen.
