Warner Gregory says goodbye to his wife who had Alzheimer’s

Tennessee has one of many highest charges of Alzheimer’s Disease within the nation. 

In 2020, we spoke with Warner Gregory whose wife had the illness. He went to the state capitol to advocate reduction for dementia caregivers. 

Local 24 News Reporter, Brittani Moncrease, caught again up with Warner as that laws lastly handed. 

Time has no maintain on love. It is a notion embraced by this final image taken of Warner Gregory, his wife Judy, and daughter Kasey.

“When I used to be there, she was at peace,” mentioned Warner, Alzheimer’s Disease advocate.

Judy suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. 

We met her and Warner February of final 12 months at a reminiscence care facility. 

When the pandemic started, Warner may now not go to Judy. His largest worry was not having the ability to say goodbye if she handed away.

“We had a pair window visits that they might deliver her to… They would wiggle her up to the door and we’d go and simply yell and wave, ‘Hey JuJu,’” mentioned Warner. 

That September, Judy grew to become ailing. Warner had two choices: let caregivers monitor her or ship her to the hospital. 

“I mentioned in case you haven’t seen the one you love within the final six to 9 months, what would you do? They known as an ambulance. We went over to Baptist Desoto,” mentioned Warner. 

What appeared troubling was really a blessing. 

“I type of moved the nurses out of the best way, leaned in, and gave her a kiss. She turned her head and checked out me and puckered again up. I mentioned, ‘Oh you need some sugar?’ She puckered again up,” mentioned Warner. 

A kiss that lingered for the subsequent 24 hours when Judy was ready to return to the care facility, however every part modified on January seventh. 

“I acquired the cellphone name. She died at 3:30 that morning,” mentioned Warner. “I known as the youngsters and advised them mother is gone.” 

It is vacancy and grief calmed by gratitude first acknowledged by their daughter, Kasey.

“She goes, ‘Dad, God meant for this to occur….so we may see her….I consider that,” mentioned Warner. 

Warner was granted one final kiss and one final goodbye. 

“We miss her,” mentioned Warner. 

These are goodbyes ceaselessly outlasting any forgotten second.

Even although Tennessee handed new laws to assist with dementia care, Warner mentioned he won’t ever stroll away from advocating and elevating cash for Alzheimer’s analysis.