The decorations, illuminations, songs and little tree-shaped cakes help, every year, to bring the Christmas spirit into your home. And like many, John Reichart loves this holiday that he has shared for 53 years with his wife, Joan. But four years ago his other half was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and since then he fears she will forget all the wonderful times they had together.
Faced with this sad twist of fate, the septuagenarian therefore made it his mission to continue to create memories for him. “I would do anything to make her happy,” he told CBS News while explaining that he decorated his entire street every year for the past four years for the end of year celebrations in order to bring a smile back to his face. “Without my wife, I don’t know if I would have done it, but she wanted Christmas, so I gave it to her.”
“I will do it in his memory”
A nice touch which attracted a few volunteers ready to lend a hand to transform this street in Indianola (Iowa) into an incredible daydream. And the Marine veteran does not intend to stop this tradition if misfortune were to befall him and his wife. “I will do it in his memory for as long as I can,” he added. A beautiful proof of love that the main person concerned seems to appreciate. “I didn't know what to think but I'm glad he did. I love him”she confided.
And so that the memories are engraved forever, their neighbors, sensitive to their history, have installed a special post box for the couple which will allow them to receive beautiful letters on the occasion of Christmas, letters that John Reichart will be able to read to his wife.
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As a reminder, Alzheimer's disease results in problems with memory, the execution of simple everyday gestures, oral or written expression, and orientation in time and space. It is the most common neurodegenerative disease. It occurs most often after age 65. To date, it is estimated that 850,000 people are affected by it in France.
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