In 2014 Judith Clarke launched a blog, “Dementia isn’t funny,” about her husband Peter’s years’ long struggle with dementia. She continued until his passing August 15, 2021. Now she’s back with a new blog, “…and carry on,” with hopes that those who have lost their loved ones might be encouraged to learn ways to continue to live fully…after dementia.

Yes, sadness is a given and overwhelming grief likely, Judy says, but finding ways to smile and laugh are essential. There will be sleepless nights, engulfing memories, worrisome forgetfulness, guilt, weight loss or weight gain, desperation, unexplainable pain and so much more.

From her husband, Judy learned to laugh, really laugh, at herself and at life. She used that gift often when she took on the caregiver role. The laughter continued after Peter moved to memory care where he kept his companions, staff, and residents entertained. Towards the end, laughter was often the only resource there was. She applies that tool to her life now.

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Judy’s daughters, Carolynn and Leslie, became Peter’s when the couple married. Both daughters, with their husbands Bill and Martin, have played key roles in propping mom up through their dad’s dementia years. Without them, carrying on would have been difficult, if not impossible, then and now.