Well, as usual, I've left this too long, but I guess 20 days is OK.   Thanks for your concern about my mother to those who replied.    Chris, my step=father is 82 and was diagnosed with mild dementia last year.   My mother saw an ad from PBS ( yes we get U.S. cable up here ) about a brain plasticity program.  The program was essentially a CD ROM and a book that claimed it could re-train neuro pathways.   She went and bought a laptop computer and my step-dad has just recently completed the first leg of the program. I didn't get a look at the disk but I did glance at the book.       What the scientists are saying is that in these diseases the brain is hardened, esp. with age and the goal is to do something different to make the brain softer and more malleable.    It seems to work with Dad.   He's remembering things that he didn't and he and Mom are optimistic, in spite of
Mom's recent problem.

   As for me, well I've been invited to sit on the Board of Directors of an organization that operates five psychiatric group homes, here in my community.     It's quite an honour and I'm a bit overwhelmed but I've been to a meeting and I think I'm going to enjoy it. I'm the only person on the board ever to have had a mental illness, so the perspective I offer,  I think, will be somewhat unique. The mandate for the Society is very clear.; to provide a therapeutic environment for those diagnosed with a mental illness.        Tom G., the Executive Director, is a great guy. There is a spiritual retreat planned for May on one of the big islands and and I look forward to spending time with him and the others.   

I've found from my experience among those who are mentally ill, that sometimes it's better not to say anything at all in a given situation.      By vocalizing you run the risk of disturbing the quiet space that was already there.       But that is another topic for another day.    Communication.

Until next time,

Don Fraser