Saturday 1st Nov

My husband, Chris, and I are joining together to raise funds for Alzheimer’s through a poker run called America’s Ride to Remember. Chris owns America’s Motor Sports in Nashville, with five locations, and we’re combining our passions for community and purpose through this event.

It all started with a phone call.
“Mom, Dad has dementia.”
“No he doesn’t,” she replied.
“Mom, that’s not a curse word,” I said.

That moment marked the beginning of our family’s journey into the world of dementia.

Walking beside my father as he declined brought both logistical and emotional challenges. I knew the time would come to relocate my parents from Oklahoma to Tennessee. When I asked my dad what it would take for him to move, he said, “I want my cows to come with me.”

So I got to work—researching doctors, finding a home, and even locating land to lease for his cows. Along the way, I managed property, helped sell livestock, organized estate sales, and left my part-time job to be fully available for the transition.

The emotional side was even harder. My parents were private, which made it difficult to allow outside help. There were sleepless nights and moments of uncertainty, but as I learned more about the disease, I found ways to adjust and focus on the small victories. Each stage became a new normal.

My father—a pharmacist, a friend to many, and a man of quiet kindness—taught me that to make a difference in life, you have to serve others.

Today, I’m determined to raise awareness and make a difference in his honor. I know my dad would be proud of this choice to serve.

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