It is with great sadness that I write this, but Grandma Jaecks passed away today (11/11/98). It is impossible to describe what a warm, loving, caring, dear person she was, or how privileged I was to have her as my Grandmother for the past 34 years. She succombed to her ten-plus year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. It is a tribute to my Grandfather's diligent and tender care that she was able to fight this terrible illness for so long. He kept her with him until the end, at home where she belonged, and the effort was truly valliant. I will cherish her memory forever, as will all who knew and loved her.

To read Jerry's memorial,please click here.

Grandpa had the desire to share his experiences caring for his beloved wife as she progressed in her illness, so that other patients and their families might benefit, and that those fortunate enough not to be afflicted could gain an insight to this process. To that end he compiled his diary of the events from the earliest signs of her illness, continuing on to her more recent condition. It is a heart rending story of two people struggling against, and trying to adapt to, a relentless disease. With his permission, I will reproduce that work here. It is entitled "Grandma's Journey".

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