MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay resident Rení Seabourne's husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease when he was 56 years old.
Now, at 66 years, he is at stage seven, the final one of the disease.
Soon after his diagnosis, he started writing. Rení (56) says: "My hubby's writings will be published under the title, Scratch - Things from my Mind."
Rení would like to share his story and give others hope. He is currently in an Alzheimer's facility in Mossel Bay.
The two came to Mossel Bay from Witbank. Rení says: "To be 'served' a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease could be devastating for any person of any age. My husband was a tower of strength and did not go, lie down. Instead he started writing.
"We both researched all the seven stages of the illness so that we knew what to expect and then we packed it away."
Rení said the couple travelled from Ballito to Cape Town and fell in love with Mossel Bay - "a senior citizen hub and the most beautiful part of the coastline, with perfect weather".
'Hereditary'
She says: "The early onslaught of Alzheimer's was hereditary in my husband's case."
It was valuable that they had him tested at the early stage of the disease, "so that early preventative steps or delay could be put in place".
She adds: "We kept living as normally as possible and even better after the diagnosis."
Rení has had a notable singing career. "I started in my early 30s with recordings at various studios. In total I produced and recorded six CDs. I was part of several singing groups and Talent Africa, as well as doing 11 months of studio work.
"The highlight was our own band, Classy Notes, in which our two sons were also musicians and singers with me.
"Classy notes and sometimes just myself (solo as Rení) were on a payroll at several restaurants in Mpumalanga.
"My husband travelled with me everywhere, with his computer at hand. He was the sound man.
'Proud grandparents'
"We are proud grandparents of four, of which the latest additions are adorable twins (boy and girl).
"We have a beautiful love story and we embraced the challenges with love, respect and humour. The mind may forget but the heart doesn't."
Her advice is: "Do not look at your loved one through the eyes of a diagnosis. See the person within, whom you can love through it all."
She noted: "My art career is taking off with a boom because art brought me healing." See www.arts4joy.co.za. Her work can also be seen at the Marguerite Gallery next to Tourism Mossel Bay.
"I teach and facilitate fine arts and am passionately involved with art therapy at Alzheimer's disease care facilities." A truly multi-faceted creative, Rení adds: "I am available for performances with my own sound system and especially in collaboration with other artists."
If you require support, advice or encouragement in dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, Rení (reni@arts4joy.co.za) would love to assist.
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