We did it!

We did it!

As Shannon said, the other day, the book “It’s Not A Rumour” is on track to be published by Rare Bird Publishing in the Fall of 2021.

This all started in 2014-2015 when Rick was posting his stories on Facebook and Ron Manus of Alfred Music Publishing commented that he should have a blog or write a book. Ron invited us to the NAM show, which was very cool to discuss the project. It proved to be too much work to pull the stories out of Rick for Alfred Music.

After that, I thought that it would be important to get Rick’s stories in a book and at the same time help him recall memories. We had so much material; his illustrious music career, songwriting, childhood, the Alzheimer’s and our love story. Telling Shannon his stories did help his memory improve a little even though it made him emotional while working on it.

I researched co-writers and bought a book on how to write a memoir. I realized that I needed help. I contacted the L.A. Writer’s Group. Nicole Criona recommended several co-writers. We met with one at the Daily Grill in Studio City. He was arrogant and said that he would send over a couple of typists to take down Rick’s stories and then he would develop those stories into a book. Rick did not like that guy. Then I went back to Nicole and she recommended Shannon.

We met Shannon at Aroma Coffee in Studio City we had an instant connection. Shannon is beautiful inside and out and she “saw” Rick. She truly understood his vision for the book. She wanted to do justice to Rick’s vision and she did. What is amazing about Shannon is how hard she works, how she respects the stories, how much research she did and she stayed true to Rick’s vision.. She helped Rick put across his stories that were; funny, heartfelt, interesting, unbelievable, and so cool. I am positive that Rick would be proud of this book.

During the process, we would get chapters from Shannon. Rick and I would cry at some parts because the truth of his disease hit us and we cried because this was really happening to him. We laughed out loud at some chapters, we were blown away by all the life that he had lived. This book became the best way to preserve Rick’s memories which were fading. We enjoyed every minute that we spent with Shannon. She is truly a gem. We are so lucky to have found her.

The pictures above are of Shannon and me celebrating the culmination of all our hard work and dedication to this project. This book will finally be published.

We toasted with Margarita’s that…WE DID IT!

 

Better times

Rick and I at my cousins anniversary party years ago. I don’t remember how many years but it was prior to March 2016 which was the year Rick had the brain bleed. He was wearing his stage outfit and his eyes were clear and not vacant like now. He was still Rick and not Alzheimers Rick. He hadn’t morphed into what he is now which is heart wrenching and sad. He would hate himself now and I know him, he would. I hate Alzheimer’s for ravaging his beautiful brain. Seeing him in this picture makes me remember what he used to be like; strong, smart, witty and loving.

Finally!

I get to visit Rick!!!!! I have a scheduled visit and I can’t wait. The place where Rick is has no cases of Covid and they are testing regularly.

I realize that even though he isn’t the same Rick he is still my favorite person on this earth. I will take whatever time with him that I can get for as long as I can.

He is such a part of me. I wish that I could go see him everyday. I know that I only have him for a short time so I’m going to take any time that I can get.

Another new normal…It seems that we all have to keep adapting and just keep changing.

CHANGING
Music and Lyrics by
Demi Moore and Frederick George Moore
Copyright © October 15th, 1981
Demophonic Music Publishing BMI
Used with permission

Changing , yeah, yeah
Everybody keeps CHANGING uh-huh

If you blink an eye 
Seems the world just passes you by 
One day you’re mine 
The next day you don’t remember my name 

‘Cause I keep CHANGING, yeah, yeah 
Everybody keeps CHANGING uh-huh 

Needing your touch 
You know I’m begging for just enough 
If I plead to be 
I couldn’t see what you want me to see 

‘Cause I keep CHANGING, yeah, yeah 
I keep CHANGING, yeah, yeah 
I keep CHANGING 
I keep CHANGING 

Look me in the eye and say a prayer, goodbye now 
I’m not the one you thought I was, goodbye now 
‘Cause I’m CHANGING 
‘Cause I’m CHANGING 

I keep CHANGING, yeah, yeah 
Everybody keeps CHANGING uh-huh 
My chameleon 

I always thought you could stop my escape 
But the jungle grows 
And you can’t seem to follow my trail 

‘Cause I keep CHANGING, yeah, yeah
Everybody keeps CHANGING uh-huh
‘Cause I’m CHANGING, yeah, yeah
Everybody keeps CHANGING uh-huh
‘Cause I’m CHANGINGMy chameleon

“Old Fred Sings a Song”

Rick always had this horrible feeling that he would end up homeless or alone. He wrote this song back in 1969 about old Fred. I think that he was projecting what could happen to him when he got old. He would tell throughout the years that he didn’t want to end up that way. Well he didn’t. Even though he got sick, he and I had a great relationship for 36 years and he is well cared for where he is now. They all love him and take good care of him (he tested negative for Covid19). He isn’t alone either. He’s a chick magnet. Too bad the chicks are in their 70’s. We FaceTime once a week and he touches the screen of the Ipad that they hold to try and touch my face. I can’t wait until they let me in to see him again. Working a lot during this quarantine, listening to books on Audible, and watching everything on Netflix, Amazon and Disney Plus helps to distract me from being sad.

If you want to listen to the Audio of Old Fred Sings A Song:

1. go to demophonic.com (Rick’s music publishing website)

2. on the left side of the screen click song catalog

3.  then at the top organize the songs in alphabetical order (because there are so many)

4. scroll down to “O” and find the song.

stay safe and healthy everyone.

OLD FRED SINGS A SONG (110 bpm)
Music by Frederick George Moore
Lyrics by Frederick George Moore
                     and Jerry Wilfong
Copyright © July 24, 1969
Demophonic Music Publishing BMI
Used with permission
In the blue skies of my mind
In the green fields I left behind me
In my own
time

Well now I’m in the fac-to-ry uh huh
Well I’m in the big ci-ty alright
Well I work my fingers to the bone
Tryin’ to make rent for my home
I’m pushing brooms on floors all day
But why? I don’t know – why did I leave my home?
I don’t know what good it does to roam about
Searching when nothing’s to be
found

Well today I roamed the old high-ways uh huh
Tomorrow maybe I’ll sail a-waves ooh hoo
Well I guess it doesn’t matter where I’ll be
That grave’s gonna be in front of me
I’ve got no money for a stone
Oh god I’m alone – in a city’s ghetto grime
I don’t know that I can ever find my home
Searching for what’s been left be-hind

(Original:  A deserted desert sky
Where will I die? )

I guess it doesn't matter where I'll be that grave's gonna be in front of me

Hard times

Hi Everyone,

These are tough times right now. We are all living in the twilight zone or outer limits. Someday we will get back to normal. I escape into work, talking with my amazing sisters and friends and I try not to be sad. My friend told me last night that I need to try and not be sad. I can’t.

This is so hard to lose Rick even though he’s still alive.

I watch TED talks on grief, I go for a walk, I avoid thinking about him and then on my way out for a walk I see this folding chair of ours that Rick wrote

FGM RES on and I lose it

Sorry to make you sad but IT IS!!!!

Renee

Scene from a memory care facility

Yesterday when I was visiting Rick after spousal support group, where I was the only person in the group,  so basically my own private therapy session, I went down to the first floor to visit with my Ricky.

Rick was sitting alone on one of the sofas in the main room across from another resident who mostly stays on the couch opposite us with his leg up which is in a brace. I hugged Rick and said that I was happy to see him and I was thankful that he recognized me. One day when he doesn’t recognize me, I will be devastated but that day wasn’t yesterday.

After a few minutes I said let’s go sit outside. There are two patio areas; one side with dog lawn all over so the dogs that run around can go and the other side with just tables and chairs. I love that dogs run around, it makes it homey. We sit on the side with the dogs and listen to an eclectic mix of music; our Brazilian Bossa Nova favorites, Rick’s songs, Benny Goodman, Steely Dan, Elvis and Frank Sinatra.

While outside enjoying the fresh air, another resident came outside and was taking the seat cushions off of the outdoor sofa across from us. She was stacking them up on one side of the sofa and then picking up random leaves and pebbles from the ground and placing them on the empty seat. She would then pick them up and sit on the metal sofa seat without a cushion. I said “isn’t that uncomfortable?” She said “no.” She then came over to me and Rick and asked us if we would hold the random leaves and pebbles for her. I said “okay.” She sat down next to me and our conversation went like this:

Lady: Do you have some money so I can pick up my dog?

Renee: (I went to my wallet and took out two quarters) how much do you need?”

Lady: twenty dollars

Renee: “”I don’t have that but I can give you these two quarters

Lady: thank you but will you keep it for me? it sure is cold out here

Renee: sure I said. do you want me to get you a hot cup of tea?

Lady: that would be nice

Another lady came outside during our conversation and she’s my favorite because usually says “hello dear” or “thank you darling.” She is always dressed nice with her name pulled back. I think she is the grandma I always wanted to have. She’s a little obsessive compulsive like me. She noticed that the cushions were stacked up instead of where they should be. She immediately put them back in their right place and brushed off the random leaves from the sofa. she sat down and said:

Lady #2: it’s cold out here

Renee: shall I get you a hot cup of tea also?

Lady #2: that would be nice dear

I went inside to get two cups of tea. I would have had to go to the kitchen so I asked someone there to get me a hot cup of tea for lady #1. She got right on it. I noticed that there are cups and carafes of coffee right there in the lobby so I made a cup of decaf and asked reception if they had any cookies. I learned in group that day that one of the medicines that they give most residents  causes them to get the munchies, like pot does. I got some cookies and made one cup of coffee while the tea was being made. I went outside and put the cookies on a plate that was sitting on the table and asked lady #1 if she would drink coffee instead of tea, she said “yes darling.” She took a sip and asked Rick if he wanted some and he drank the entire cup. When I went back in to get the tea there was a gentleman standing there, he’s Rick’s roommate. He was shivering. I said “do you want a jacket?” He mumbled “yeah.” I said “come we me.” He followed me to their room and I took a hoodie out of his closet but I had a hard time putting it on him because one of his arms is paralyzed so I took it off of him and put it back in the closet. I got one of Rick’s hoodies which is bigger. The put the man’s partially paralyzed arm inside on arm of the and then put the other arm in and zipped it up. He continued to hold my hand and I said “now let’s go sit outside.” So now we have Lady #1, who by the way is always snuggling up to Rick and Lady #2 who is eating the cookies because apparently she’s got the munchies and me and Gentleman #1 sitting outside. Gentleman #2 comes outside and believes himself to be the owner of the facility so he came out to speak to us about something:

Gentleman #2: Well you see we had to let that guy go because he wasn’t up to snuff! It’s just what I had to do as a businessman you understand. It’s my responsibility to take care of everyone and make sure that things run smoothly, do you all understand?

the group: we all nod.

Gentleman #2: I don’t like to have to let someone go but it’s business and I have to do what is necessary:

Lady #1: Sure you have to do whatever needs to be done

Rick: yep

Lady #2: uh huh (chewing cookies)

(she dropped one and looked at me like oh no!!!!! so I ran over and cleaned it up. she scolded me for throwing it away and I said “it fell on the floor!” she said it could have been washed off and eaten (no it could not).

Gentleman #2: I feel bad that I had to do it (wiping tears from his eyes) but you know how it is, you are all on the board.

The Group: I see, yes, you had to do it, um m…

After all of this, I decided to leave. I was drained from therapy and being in a place where everyone has dementia. This isn’t so bad because my greatest fear is when Rick doesn’t know me or he is in a wheelchair or in hospice someday.

the end.

26173476-elderly-people-on-a-bench

Not posting for a while

The disease has progressed and I have had to move Rick into Silverado memory care facility.

This is killing me. Like the old Rick I am not the kind of person that wants to share my pain. I don’t know when I will post again.

This is devastating for me

please understand that I can’t talk or share right now.

thanks for understanding

Renee

Walk Day Details

Event Information

Time:
Registration at 9:00 am
Ceremony at 10:00 am
Walk at 10:30 am

Route Length: 2 miles

Location:
Tongva Park
1615 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401
Map it

Contact:
Brian Welch | 323-486-2821 | bwelch@alz.org

General Information

Where do the funds go?
All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer’s further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Do I have to register in order to Walk?
Yes, we want to know you’re walking with us and need every walker to sign a standard waiver through their official registration. There is no registration fee for Walk. However, we ask every walker to make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Do I need to register my children for Walk?
Yes, children should register. Parents/guardians can register children online or complete an offline registration form and sign the waiver on behalf of the child.

Does every walker get a T-shirt?
Every registered participant will receive a T-shirt after achieving the fundraising minimum of $100. Unless otherwise communicated, T-shirts will be available for pick up on Walk day.

How do I get my offline donations to show up on my personal fundraising Web page?
Donations can be made offline by submitting a check or money order by mail or hand-delivering to the local Alzheimer’s Association office. Be sure to include your offline donation form, which can be found in your Participant Center or on your fundraising Web page, to make sure you receive credit for the donation. Donations typically take 1-2 weeks to show up on your Web page.

Event Specifics

Registration opens – 9 am
Opening Ceremonies – 10 am
Walk Start – 10:30 am
Closing Ceremonies – 11:30 am

Directions to Tongva Park

Via the 10 Fwy Westbound

I-10 Fwy WEST, EXIT at 4th Street
Turn RIGHT onto 4th Street
Turn LEFT on Broadway Blvd.
Turn LEFT on 2nd Street
Continue onto Main Street

 Via 405 Fwy Southbound

I-405 Fwy SOUTH
Merge onto I-10 Fwy WEST
Turn RIGHT onto 4th Street
Turn LEFT on Broadway Blvd.
Turn LEFT on 2nd Street
Continue onto Main Street

Parking

Parking is available at various structures and streets around Tongva Park. The closest structures are Civic Lot and Structure 8 Public Parking. More information on those structures is below. For other parking options in Downtown Santa Monica visit the ParkMe website or download the ParkMe App. For participants requiring assistance there will be a drop off zone on Main Street in front of Tongva Park.

Civic Lot: Located on Main Street and 4th Street, Civic Lot is open 24 hours and charges a flat rate of $5 on Sunday. For more information about Civic Lot click here.

Structure 8 Public Parking: Located on Colorado Avenue and 2nd Street, Structure 8 is a short walk from Tongva Park. Lot is open 24 hours, is free from 8AM-11AM on Sunday and charges $1.25 for the first two hours thereafter, and $1.85 for each additional 30 minutes. For more information about Structure 8 click here.

Are pets, strollers, bicycles and skates allowed on Walk day?
We do allow strollers, but for everyone’s safety, we discourage skateboards, bicycles, inline skates and wheelie footwear. Depending on the Walk location rules, well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times.

What happens if it rains?
Walk is a rain or shine event. However, in the case of severe weather, we will cancel. If this is the case, we will update our Walk homepage on or before the morning of the event.

We need volunteers! Know anyone who might be interested in helping us on the day of the event?
We need volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, registration, water stops, promise garden, the T-shirt tent and so much more. All interested volunteers should visit our volunteer page for more information about event day roles and responsibilities.

How do I get a Promise Garden flower?
On Walk day, you will receive a wristband. Each registered walker with a wristband will receive a Promise Garden flower. Please choose the color that best represents your connection to the disease.

  • Blue represents someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia
  • Purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to the disease.
  • Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
  • Orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

 

Still have questions?

Check out our FAQs page, or contact:
Coordinator: Brian Welch
Phone: 323-486-2821
Email: bwelch@alz.org

Thank you for all you do in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Rick’s saying “I’m Happy”

Rick is happy and when he’s happy I’m happy. We went to the beach with my sisters and friends and he loves listening to music and hanging out with us. He likes to be social now. It’s interesting because they say that socializing is the best thing to stave off Alzheimer’s. Maybe his wouldn’t have been so bad if he had enjoyed socializing more before he got the disease. Oh well, we socialize a lot now. As I said he comes to the beach. We went to a coworker’s wedding last night and we both enjoyed it. It was fun!

He cleans up nice too!

Today he went on an excursion with the gang at Silverado! They went on a harbor cruise, had lunch and spent the day out! I can’t wait to hear about it from the staff when I pick him up at the end of the day.

I will post a pic of that if they share one with me!

Love,

Renee