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Paul Shemella's avatar

My wife's Alzheimer's was dropped into my perfect life six years ago. At first, I did not know anything about the condition. I was so stressed out I didn't/couldn't read anything for two years. After I started reading, I finally read Man's Search for Meaning. Frankl literally changed my life. His perspective showed me how I could grieve and grow at the same time. He inspired me to write a memoir. I am now using the memoir as a vehicle for speaking publicly about dementia. I found a new life purpose in the sorrow. My wife will soon pass comfortably into whatever lies beyond death; I will be devastated, but I have already found a way to be happy.

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Benjamin Davis's avatar

Thanks for sharing that Paul. It's been great getting to know you and reading your writing over the last two years. I have a similar relationship with Man's Search for Meaning. Twenty four months after leaving the Navy, I had an uncomfortable curiosity about what the point of many things were. That book will really help a person think about things like that.

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Baird Brightman's avatar

Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness: on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end. Aiming at something else, they find happiness by the way.  — John Stuart Mill

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Benjamin Davis's avatar

I believe that. Thanks for reading Baird.

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