Dedication
PAPA: The Man, the Myth, the Legend
Me and my Papa.
“To the world you are just a Grandpa, but to me you are the world.”
This website is dedicated to my Papa, Richard “Rick” Cearley and to all caregivers of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He has lovingly referred to me as his “Lotus Blossom” because I always wore pretty flower barrettes in my hair as a baby/toddler. He was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago. While we do not live in the same city, he was my inspiration for this project as I would hope he would have access to the activities and sensory stimulation my Girl Scout Gold Award affords others in my hometown and I am happy this website can inspire and help others globally.
Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t discriminate. People in every country, of both sexes, and every nationality and race are diagnosed. My Papa is one of the smartest men I know, having flown helicopters leading air attack for fire and air ambulance rescues for the Los Angeles County Fire Air Operations as a Senior Pilot for almost 25 years. He also invented and patented several swift water rescue devices that are used the world over by military, police, and fire. To this day, he continues to make friends wherever he goes. Always my anchor of love, source of strength, well of wisdom.
