OPENING COMMENTS
The story I am about to share with you is very personal. I’m comfortable with crying in front of you, however it is very difficult to cry ... and speak at the same time. So if I do get choked up, I will pause, take a few breaths, and be right back. Probably before you even notice I have gone! Thank you for your understanding.
I am NOT presenting my story to you today as an EXPERT in the field of GRIEF ... NOR as an EXPERT in the field of DEMENTIA/ ALZHEIMER’s ... but rather as someone with the DIRECT and INTENSE EXPERIENCE of having LIVED with both of these issues.
ABOUT MICHAEL
Let me tell you a little about me … I am an educator, have worked with children in regular education as well as those with special needs.
I was an administrator for a Talented and Gifted Education Program, taught Junior High Spanish, and taught a number of university level education courses and seminars.
I have been retired for 20+ years but have been more than active as an educator, speaker, writer, poet, blogger, actor, opera supernumerary, children’s museum curator, Flea Circus Ring master & Dementia /Alzheimer’s caregiver partner.
ABOUT GREGORY
Gregory earned his BA at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and received his Master’s Degree from Harvard University where he studied Architecture, with Phi Beta Kappa recognition.
He ran his own high end architecture and interior design firm and served as architect of record for renovations at the Baha’i National Shrine in a suburb of Chicago, Wilmett