In 2023 my mom was diagnosed with early onset dementia. This morning 2-18-2026, after her long and courageous battle with the disease, she went peacefully into the arms of Jesus at the young age of 57. After years of watching this disease slowly take pieces of her, we find comfort knowing she is whole and at peace again. Seventeen years ago today, Sherri’s dad passed away. The timing feels too meaningful to ignore. I truly believe he came to bring her home. While my heart was not ready to let her go, I knew that she was ready and that now she is finally at peace, free from confusion and fear. Alzheimer’s disease may have slowly robbed her of the memories she carried, but it could never rob us of the love she gave or the spirit she forever had. My mom was full of life all the way up to her final stage. She had a spark about herself that filled every room she walked into. She absolutely loved going bowling. Every time it was her turn, her face would light up with pure excitement — celebrating each roll like she had just won the whole game. She loved relaxing in the pool, enjoying the fresh air and soaking up the sun.

Her greatest joy though, was her grandchildren. She would chase them around, laugh until she couldn’t catch her breath, and even hop on the swing set, just to relive that carefree childhood feeling. Watching her smile and laugh harder than ever will forever be a memory we hold onto. Even as the disease rapidly progressed, some things never changed. Her love for music stayed alive. She would still light up whenever one of her favorite songs began to play -- dancing around the room, clapping her hands, laughing, and joking with those she loved. In those moments you could see her, the same mom, the same grandma, the same joy, the same person everyone loved dearly. I stayed with my mom many restless nights, and every night during her last stage. I saw the strength it took for her to keep going, saw the moments of clarity and moments of confusion. I saw the fear she would sometimes have on her face, but I also saw the peace that she would feel when holding her hand and lying beside her so she could sleep at night like she would do for me as a child.

Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease. It slowly says goodbye long before you’re ready. Those who loved her grieved her in pieces over the years—yet somehow, the final goodbye still feels impossible. I devoted myself fully to caring for my mother at the end, I am now facing funeral costs without the means to cover them. On top of this, I work full-time, have family obligations with two children, and am in school. The weight of this financial burden is more than I can manage on my own. We are raising funds to help cover funeral expenses and to give her the beautiful celebration of life she truly deserves. She gave so much love to so many people. If you can donate, share, or simply keep our family in your prayers, we are deeply grateful. Every act of kindness means more than we can put into words. Thank you for loving my mom. Thank you for remembering her. And thank you for helping us honor a woman whose laughter, love for music, and spirit will never be forgotten.