Dear Armstrong List members, In my computer there are several versions of a book that I started. I started it several times. I call it, "My Life, So Far." A couple versions are even in print, and a few were sent to my brother and sister and even some of my grandchildren. Today is Monday, June 8th, 2008 and I have come to the realization that my life is probably changing as I write this. I must realize that recently I was diagnosed as having a condition known as Alzheimer's Disease. I don't like it, and sometimes I even admit to denying it. But...I know it's true. So, what do I do? I take the damned pills, and try not to think about it. But... it's hard not to think about. ~~~ A woman who once rented a small house from my parents, while observing my brother and sister and I at play, remarked that she didn't think we came for hardy stock. My only comment on her observation is that there are two words in the English language which originate from our Scottish ancestors. These members of the large Scottish "Clan Armstrong" were known by Scottish term as "reavers" as they "raided" the lands and the livestock of other clans. They were also accomplished horsemen and wore chain mail armor blackened with candle smoke so as to ride undetected at night. Thus, from them, we get these two English words, "bereave" and "blackmail." I have lived a fantastic life. I have a priceless wife and four smart and very independent children. I have nine healthy grandchildren. I've been almost everywhere, visited forty eight of the fifty states, looked down at Niagara Falls, and down into the Grand Canyon, and up into Mr. Lincoln's face at Mt. Rushmore. I've crossed both oceans several times, seen the Temple Mount in Jerualem, and the statue of David in Athens, and been to Lenin's tomb. I've vaccinated water buffalo in northern Thailand, shopped for cameras in Japan, and eaten mussels in Brussels. I've researched my ancestors as far as I can, and found that I descend from ruthless Scottish cattle rustlers. One of my great grandfathers, John Brown, was aboard the ship, William and Mary, which went down just off the southwest point of Great Abaco in the Bahamas. He and his family survived the wreck and he lived to fight for the Union at the Siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Mobile Bay. Another great grandfather, Philemon D. Armstrong also served in the Union Army and later fought Red Cloud on the Bozeman Trail. But, I still have important things I want to do. I want to be important in the lives of my grandchildren. I want to tell them all of the mistakes I have made, so that they will not make the same ones. I want them all to go to college, visit places I have never been, and to make something of themselves. It shouldn't be too difficult for them, as they really do come from hardy stock. Sincerely, Bob Armstrong currently in Houston, TX
Dear Bob, Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm terribly sorry to learn you have been diagnosed with Alzheimers. A lot of us joke about having the dreaded illness when we have a Senior moment or two, but it's not really a laughing matter.. Hang in there...! Sincerely, John D A little SoWest of North Robert Armstrong wrote: > Dear Armstrong List members, > > In my computer there are several versions of a book that I started. I started it several times. I call it, "My Life, So Far." A couple versions are even in print, and a few were sent to my brother and sister and even some of my grandchildren. > > Today is Monday, June 8th, 2008 and I have come to the realization that my life is probably changing as I write this. I must realize that recently I was diagnosed as having a condition known as Alzheimer's Disease. I don't like it, and sometimes I even admit to denying it. But...I know it's true. So, what do I do? I take the damned pills, and try not to think about it. But... it's hard not to think about. > > ~~~ > > A woman who once rented a small house from my parents, while observing my brother and sister and I at play, remarked that she didn't think we came for hardy stock. My only comment on her observation is that there are two words in the English language which originate from our Scottish ancestors. These members of the large Scottish "Clan Armstrong" were known by Scottish term as "reavers" as they "raided" the lands and the livestock of other clans. They were also accomplished horsemen and wore chain mail armor blackened with candle smoke so as to ride undetected at night. Thus, from them, we get these two English words, "bereave" and "blackmail." > > I have lived a fantastic life. I have a priceless wife and four smart and very independent children. I have nine healthy grandchildren. I've been almost everywhere, visited forty eight of the fifty states, looked down at Niagara Falls, and down into the Grand Canyon, and up into Mr. Lincoln's face at Mt. Rushmore. I've crossed both oceans several times, seen the Temple Mount in Jerualem, and the statue of David in Athens, and been to Lenin's tomb. I've vaccinated water buffalo in northern Thailand, shopped for cameras in Japan, and eaten mussels in Brussels. > > I've researched my ancestors as far as I can, and found that I descend from ruthless Scottish cattle rustlers. One of my great grandfathers, John Brown, was aboard the ship, William and Mary, which went down just off the southwest point of Great Abaco in the Bahamas. He and his family survived the wreck and he lived to fight for the Union at the Siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Mobile Bay. Another great grandfather, Philemon D. Armstrong also served in the Union Army and later fought Red Cloud on the Bozeman Trail. > > But, I still have important things I want to do. I want to be important in the lives of my grandchildren. I want to tell them all of the mistakes I have made, so that they will not make the same ones. I want them all to go to college, visit places I have never been, and to make something of themselves. It shouldn't be too difficult for them, as they really do come from hardy stock. > > Sincerely, > Bob Armstrong > currently in Houston, TX > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ARMSTRONG-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >
" want to be important in the lives of my grandchildren." Hi Bob :) Do you not realise that you've not only been important in the lives of your children, and your grandchildren, but to all of us here? Many a day I've been cheered up immensely by one of your posts, and on some days you've turned my day around for the better, and I'll always be eternally grateful to you for those days!! :D Alzheimer's is a nasty disease, and I've seen far too much of it in my own lifetime. My biological Grandfather had it, but was never diagnosed as such because it wasn't called Alzheimer's back in those days. It was just called "senility" and he was locked away in a mental institution. I never met him, but from reading his medical records (which the Health Department in Tasmania, Australia very kindly sent to me) I came to know and love him as if he'd been in my life, whereas he died before I was born. My biological father died of an aneurism in his stomach, despite the fact that he had angina and emphasema (sp?), and he also had early stage Alzheimer's. My adopted mother (Reita May Eastley, sister of my bio father, and wife of Norman John Bynon who is my Armstrong connection) was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the "ripe old age" of about 53. She'd had varicose veins removed and had a nasty reaction to the anaesthetic they gave her, and the doctors believed that was what triggered her off at such a young age. I watched her go downhill slowly, caring for her as much as possible despite the fact that I was pregnant with my 18yo daughter Jade, while Dad continued to work. It was heartbreaking to watch her deteriorate, but if I had to do it again, I would!!! She held Jade in her arms a week after she was born and she didn't even know she was holding a baby, much less her Granddaughter. I think that was what hit me the hardest!!! :( Despite the sadness of watching family suffer through Alzheimer's, and knowing that I too probably have Alzheimer's genes, I still have one happy memory of Mum the night before she died. I'd gone to Greenvale Nursing Home to visit her while she was very ill with pneumonia. She'd not shown any sign of recognition when she'd seen me for some time. That last night I bent down to kiss her goodbye after our visit and I whispered into her ear "Mum, I'm pregnant with your first Grandson!". I didn't know Casey was a boy, it was mother's intuition I guess! ;D Mum looked at me, actually LOOKED at me, for the first time in well over a year. That memory still warms my heart to this day, knowing that when Mum died about 10 hours later, she knew I was going to give birth to her first Grandson!! :D Chin up Bob, they're making huge breakthroughs with a lot of diseases and illnesses these days, and I for one have made a few donations to the Alzheimer's Association in the hope they'll come up with a cure, or a way of stopping its progression, before I myself start to show signs. Hopefully it'll be in time for both of us! :D Take care, Robyn. IBSSG Stockbridge, Georgia, USA Honey's Home of Genealogy www.robsfamily.com
Dear Robyn, Thank you so much for your kind words. Nita and I are now living with my eldest son and his family. Charles has a very big house, and we have lots of room. I get to talk to the kids every day, and I am teaching them about investing. They get a share of Western Union stock, for every "A" they get on their report cards. They are so smart that they will probably send me to the poor house. I also play chess with my Grandson. He is a pretty good player. Hopefully I will hang on long enought to see him skunk me. Very sincerely, Bob Armstrong in Houston, TX --- On Mon, 6/9/08, Robyn Leeds <robyn@robsfamily.com> wrote: From: Robyn Leeds <robyn@robsfamily.com> Subject: Re: [ARMSTRONG] A new me? To: armstrong@rootsweb.com Date: Monday, June 9, 2008, 5:51 PM " want to be important in the lives of my grandchildren." Hi Bob :) Do you not realise that you've not only been important in the lives of your children, and your grandchildren, but to all of us here? Many a day I've been cheered up immensely by one of your posts, and on some days you've turned my day around for the better, and I'll always be eternally grateful to you for those days!! :D Alzheimer's is a nasty disease, and I've seen far too much of it in my own lifetime. My biological Grandfather had it, but was never diagnosed as such because it wasn't called Alzheimer's back in those days. It was just called "senility" and he was locked away in a mental institution. I never met him, but from reading his medical records (which the Health Department in Tasmania, Australia very kindly sent to me) I came to know and love him as if he'd been in my life, whereas he died before I was born. My biological father died of an aneurism in his stomach, despite the fact that he had angina and emphasema (sp?), and he also had early stage Alzheimer's. My adopted mother (Reita May Eastley, sister of my bio father, and wife of Norman John Bynon who is my Armstrong connection) was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the "ripe old age" of about 53. She'd had varicose veins removed and had a nasty reaction to the anaesthetic they gave her, and the doctors believed that was! what triggered her off at such a young age. I watched her go downhill slowly, caring for her as much as possible despite the fact that I was pregnant with my 18yo daughter Jade, while Dad continued to work. It was heartbreaking to watch her deteriorate, but if I had to do it again, I would!!! She held Jade in her arms a week after she was born and she didn't even know she was holding a baby, much less her Granddaughter. I think that was what hit me the hardest!!! :( Despite the sadness of watching family suffer through Alzheimer's, and knowing that I too probably have Alzheimer's genes, I still have one happy memory of Mum the night before she died. I'd gone to Greenvale Nursing Home to visit her while she was very ill with pneumonia. She'd not shown any sign of recognition when she'd seen me for some time. That last night I bent down to kiss her goodbye after our visit and I whispered into her ear "Mum, I'm pregnant with your first Grandson!". I didn't know Casey was a boy, it was mother's intuition I guess! ;D Mum looked at me, actually LOOKED at me, for the first time in well over a year. That memory still warms my heart to this day, knowing that when Mum died about 10 hours later, she knew I was going to give birth to her first Grandson!! :D Chin up Bob, they're making huge breakthroughs with a lot of diseases and illnesses these days, and I for one have made a few donations to the Alzheimer's Association in the hope they'll come up with a cure, or a way of stopping its progression, before I myself start to show signs. Hopefully it'll be in time for both of us! :D Take care, Robyn. IBSSG Stockbridge, Georgia, USA Honey's Home of Genealogy www.robsfamily.com ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ARMSTRONG-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message
Robert, You can join me in living life one day at a time. Three years ago, I had cancer. The VA in Minneapolis fixed me. It is the only one in the US that even tries. I have a blocked artery to my right leg, they put in a bypass.?I have diabetes, take pills and diet. Today, I am in Louisville. My chinese darling granddaughter was four yesterday.??A grand party. Then today, I got a life's wish. I lived long enough to golf with my 11 year old grandson Brock. You cannot measure life just by days, as we learned in the service. These last two days were worth more than years of ordinary. Ken Kimble Brooklyn Park, MN -----Original Message----- From: Robert Armstrong <robertarm9@yahoo.com> To: ARMSTRONG-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Mon, 9 Jun 2008 12:08 pm Subject: [ARMSTRONG] A new me? Dear Armstrong List members, In my computer there are several versions of a book that I started. I started it several times. I call it, "My Life, So Far." A couple versions are even in print, and a few were sent to my brother and sister and even some of my grandchildren. Today is Monday, June 8th, 2008 and I have come to the realization that my life is probably changing as I write this. I must realize that recently I was diagnosed as having a condition known as Alzheimer's Disease. I don't like it, and sometimes I even admit to denying it. But...I know it's true. So, what do I do? I take the damned pills, and try not to think about it. But... it's hard not to think about. ~~~ A woman who once rented a small house from my parents, while observing my brother and sister and I at play, remarked that she didn't think we came for hardy stock. My only comment on her observation is that there are two words in the English language which originate from our Scottish ancestors. These members of the large Scottish "Clan Armstrong" were known by Scottish term as "reavers" as they "raided" the lands and the livestock of other clans. They were also accomplished horsemen and wore chain mail armor blackened with candle smoke so as to ride undetected at night. Thus, from them, we get these two English words, "bereave" and "blackmail." I have lived a fantastic life. I have a priceless wife and four smart and very independent children. I have nine healthy grandchildren. I've been almost everywhere, visited forty eight of the fifty states, looked down at Niagara Falls, and down into the Grand Canyon, and up into Mr. Lincoln's face at Mt. Rushmore. I've crossed both oceans several times, seen the Temple Mount in Jerualem, and the statue of David in Athens, and been to Lenin's tomb. I've vaccinated water buffalo in northern Thailand, shopped for cameras in Japan, and eaten mussels in Brussels. I've researched my ancestors as far as I can, and found that I descend from ruthless Scottish cattle rustlers. One of my great grandfathers, John Brown, was aboard the ship, William and Mary, which went down just off the southwest point of Great Abaco in the Bahamas. He and his family survived the wreck and he lived to fight for the Union at the Siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Mobile Bay. Another great grandfather, Philemon D. Armstrong also served in the Union Army and later fought Red Cloud on the Bozeman Trail. But, I still have important things I want to do. I want to be important in the lives of my grandchildren. I want to tell them all of the mistakes I have made, so that they will not make the same ones. I want them all to go to college, visit places I have never been, and to make something of themselves. It shouldn't be too difficult for them, as they really do come from hardy stock. Sincerely, Bob Armstrong currently in Houston, TX ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ARMSTRONG-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message
Dear Bob, Your letter is very touching and I'm sure we all are grateful to you for all you've contributed to the list and to all of us "cousins" who are proud to know you. Your stories and your knowledge have enriched all of us and we expect this to continue! You are precious to your family and certainly will be able to give each member of your family a wonderful sense of history...the adventures and accomplishments of their grandfather and their ancestors far in the past, so they will always know who they are and from where they came. This is a great gift that you will continue to give to them and they will remember you and tell their children the history you have taught them. You have enriched all of their lives...what a wonderful accomplishment that will continue into the future! Your terrible diagnosis must be beyond frightening, but you are a scientist and you know that although there is as yet no cure for Alzheimer's, each day new discoveries are being made to slow the progression of the disease. I have a neighbor who was diagnosed several years ago and she is still doing well and enjoying her life, still able to do most of the things she always could do and still knowing that she is of value to her family. There may be no cure, but there is always hope, so please don't let go of that. We all fear and wonder about Alzheimer's just as we worry about other catastrophic physical bad deals some of us are--or could be-- given, and I can only imagine what a blow this must be to a distinguished, kind, and involved person as you are. I wish there were something I could say to soften what must be a terrible blow to you and all who love you, but I hope you won't lose courage and will take those pills and slow the thing down and enjoy each day with those who love you. Your presence will always be a wonderful gift to each one of your family and you will always have their respect and love, as will we, your Internet Armstrong cousins. Sending my best thoughts and prayers, Cousin Marilyn Marilyn Armstrong Otterson in New Hampshire ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Armstrong" <robertarm9@yahoo.com> To: <ARMSTRONG-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, June 09, 2008 1:08 PM Subject: [ARMSTRONG] A new me? > Dear Armstrong List members, > > In my computer there are several versions of a book that I started. I > started it several times. I call it, "My Life, So Far." A couple versions > are even in print, and a few were sent to my brother and sister and even > some of my grandchildren. > > Today is Monday, June 8th, 2008 and I have come to the realization that my > life is probably changing as I write this. I must realize that recently I > was diagnosed as having a condition known as Alzheimer's Disease. I don't > like it, and sometimes I even admit to denying it. But...I know it's true. > So, what do I do? I take the damned pills, and try not to think about it. > But... it's hard not to think about. > > > ~~~ > > A woman who once rented a small house from my > parents, while observing my brother and sister and I at play, > remarked that she didn't think we came for hardy stock. My only comment on > her observation is that there are two words in the English language which > originate from our Scottish ancestors. These members of the large Scottish > "Clan Armstrong" were known by Scottish term as "reavers" as they "raided" > the lands and the livestock of other clans. They were also accomplished > horsemen and wore chain mail armor blackened with candle smoke so as to > ride undetected at night. Thus, from them, we get these two English > words, "bereave" and "blackmail." > > I have lived a fantastic life. I have a priceless > wife and four smart and very independent children. I have nine healthy > grandchildren. I've been almost everywhere, visited forty eight of the > fifty states, looked down at Niagara Falls, and down into the Grand > Canyon, and up into Mr. Lincoln's face at Mt. Rushmore. I've crossed both > oceans several times, seen the Temple Mount in Jerualem, and the statue of > David in Athens, and been to Lenin's tomb. I've vaccinated water > buffalo in northern Thailand, shopped for cameras in Japan, and eaten > mussels in Brussels. > > I've researched my ancestors as far as I can, and > found that I descend from ruthless Scottish cattle rustlers. One of my > great grandfathers, John Brown, was aboard the ship, William and Mary, > which went down just off the southwest point of Great Abaco in the > Bahamas. He and his family survived the wreck and he lived to fight for > the Union at the Siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Mobile Bay. Another > great grandfather, Philemon D. Armstrong also served in the Union > Army and later fought Red Cloud on the Bozeman Trail. > > But, I still have important things I want to > do. I want to be important in the lives of my grandchildren. I want > to tell them all of the mistakes I have made, so that they will not make > the same ones. I want them all to go to college, visit places I have never > been, and to make something of themselves. It shouldn't be too difficult > for them, as they really do come from hardy stock. > > Sincerely, > Bob Armstrong > currently in Houston, TX > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > ARMSTRONG-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message
There are no guarantees are there! Take the pills and get lots of physical exercise. Both have helped my youngest sister who at age 50 was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers. Keep on keeping on. Patti Robert Armstrong wrote: > Dear Armstrong List members, > > In my computer there are several versions of a book that I started. I started it several times. I call it, "My Life, So Far." A couple versions are even in print, and a few were sent to my brother and sister and even some of my grandchildren. > > Today is Monday, June 8th, 2008 and I have come to the realization that my life is probably changing as I write this. I must realize that recently I was diagnosed as having a condition known as Alzheimer's Disease. I don't like it, and sometimes I even admit to denying it. But...I know it's true. So, what do I do? I take the damned pills, and try not to think about it. But... it's hard not to think about. > > ~~~ > > A woman who once rented a small house from my parents, while observing my brother and sister and I at play, remarked that she didn't think we came for hardy stock. My only comment on her observation is that there are two words in the English language which originate from our Scottish ancestors. These members of the large Scottish "Clan Armstrong" were known by Scottish term as "reavers" as they "raided" the lands and the livestock of other clans. They were also accomplished horsemen and wore chain mail armor blackened with candle smoke so as to ride undetected at night. Thus, from them, we get these two English words, "bereave" and "blackmail." > > I have lived a fantastic life. I have a priceless wife and four smart and very independent children. I have nine healthy grandchildren. I've been almost everywhere, visited forty eight of the fifty states, looked down at Niagara Falls, and down into the Grand Canyon, and up into Mr. Lincoln's face at Mt. Rushmore. I've crossed both oceans several times, seen the Temple Mount in Jerualem, and the statue of David in Athens, and been to Lenin's tomb. I've vaccinated water buffalo in northern Thailand, shopped for cameras in Japan, and eaten mussels in Brussels. > > I've researched my ancestors as far as I can, and found that I descend from ruthless Scottish cattle rustlers. One of my great grandfathers, John Brown, was aboard the ship, William and Mary, which went down just off the southwest point of Great Abaco in the Bahamas. He and his family survived the wreck and he lived to fight for the Union at the Siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Mobile Bay. Another great grandfather, Philemon D. Armstrong also served in the Union Army and later fought Red Cloud on the Bozeman Trail. > > But, I still have important things I want to do. I want to be important in the lives of my grandchildren. I want to tell them all of the mistakes I have made, so that they will not make the same ones. I want them all to go to college, visit places I have never been, and to make something of themselves. It shouldn't be too difficult for them, as they really do come from hardy stock. > > Sincerely, > Bob Armstrong > currently in Houston, TX > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ARMSTRONG-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > >