Robert Patterson and his wife Karen

Robert Patterson and his wife Karen

Interview transcript

BP: I feel like I’m the same person, but I know I’m a…kind of a big load to deal with. *Laughs* KP: But you know how we talk sometimes about who we really are, what is our essence. BP: Uh huh. KP: Memories are not who you are. BP: Well I, I think, one thing that I experience with Alzheimer’s is, I live in the moment, because I can’t remember what happened yesterday. I can’t remember what happened ten minutes ago. But I am more present I think. KP: Do you think about the future? BP: I I know there’s probably a bad time that comes in the future. This disease gets more wicked, but I don’t obsess on it, and I just do a nice job of ignoring it. KP: With this disease, you moved from someone that lived in your head a lot to somebody that lives in their heart. BP: The head is an overstated organ. KP Laughs BP: The heart is where all the action is. And I can remember things that occur in my heart much better than things that occur in my head. Having fun with the kids, laughing, our new grandchild. KP: Speaking of this new grandchild, is there something that you’d like him to know? BP: I would like him to know that I fell in love with him the first time that I saw him in the hospital. And every time I see that sweet little face, I definitely get a nice bounce. Just makes me feel good. I’m looking forward to hanging with him, and teaching him things that are really important. That’s my job for the rest of my life. KP: I don’t know if you even remember this, but once we were listening to a book on tape and it talked about the greatest thing you can do if you love somebody was hope that you would be the one that was left, and that you would be the one that could care for your lover. You are not alone, and I’m honored that I’m the one that can care for you. I always will. BP: You always have, thank you.