My mother, Jan Baldwin (pictured at right), was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2001 at the age of 57, but looking back, she showed signs of the disease as early as 1998. Mom was truly the model Christian citizen; an exemplary mother, wife, and friend to many. Selfless, she always cared about others and was the first to have a pound cake ready for someone in need of a little encouragement!

Mom spent most of her adult life in Magnolia, Arkansas and taught fifth grade Sunday school. She participated in PPO, Junior League, and countless other committees and charitable groups. The community knew that they could count on mom and she never let anyone down.

As mom began to decline in health, she was very scared and she couldn’t understand why simple tasks like balancing the checkbook and keeping track of time were becoming difficult for her. Interestingly, after foot surgery in 1999, her rapid decline was accelerated. Thanksgiving the same year, she forgot to cook a meal and it bothered her greatly.

Mom loved everyone with so much energy and passion. She was a true love for all. I recently ran into an old acquaintance that told me how much my mom meant to him. Apparently, about 15 years ago, he had some problems with drugs and depression. I had no idea at the time, but he told me how mom would call him and encourage him and tell him that she was praying for him. He told me that her encouragement and prayer meant more to him than anything else he received for treatment.

My mom currently resides in a nursing home facility in Little Rock, and she doesn’t recognize us or have the ability to eat or walk but her true spirit lives on and she will always be a great example to many.