During my final years at the ranch, I had greatly admired his leadership in the dementia community. My awareness of his work was via his Facebook posts, his website, and his book, Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out.

By 2014, I had returned fulltime to my apartment in Chicago from my hometown. Somewhat settled into my strange “new” routine, I finally introduced myself to “Richard Taylor, PhD,” via an email message.

My initial contact with Richard was to extend an invitation to be a Guest Contributor for my physician blog. “What would you most like to say to physicians?” I had asked.

I was humbled by Richard’s quick  and generous response. In addition to agreeing to contribute to the physician blog, he had also offered to write for a new project which I had shared with him. It would be called “ABeautifulVoice.org” – and, at that time, it had just landed on the drawing board.

He was profuse in his generosity with platforms that would channel his ideas. We quickly developed an affinity in our belief that, if we combine our efforts, we can become a stronger voice for change.

Richard’s voice and his courage continue to inspire me. The mantra he shared with many, “Stand Up and Speak Out!” made a lasting impression upon me. The quote used in the subject line of this post can be found in the final chapter of Richard’s book:  “Act Up! Ring Out! SPEAK UP and OUT!”

In the final paragraphs of his book, he addresses caregivers.

“Caregivers who are filled with fear and depression, use this pent–up anxious energy to educate yourselves, your families, your friends, and those around you about how our society treats those with the diseases of dementia. If these organizations won’t be worked up to action in the name of your loved ones, perhaps self–interest will motivate them. The bell tolls for us all. It is just a matter of time when and where we hear it. I’ve heard it. I have Alzheimer’s disease.” (Page 244)

Notably, his book was selected by The American Journal of Nursing as “Book of the Year” (2007).

 

Attribution:

The quote featured in our graphic is from Richard’s book, Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out (page 135).

Posted by: Susan Troyer