This is a humbling thing for a person who lives mainly in the mind to say. I was sure I was showing signs of the degenerative disease Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). I let this idea shape my life for 10 months. I even thought I would try to write my story as things progressed. I was obsessed about going to the Mayo to find out the truth.
So what happened? After all the tests, they said I show no signs of PPA. My language skills are excellent. If anything, I have a slightly lower-than-expected persistent memory. They suggested I try a few things to improve my memory—adjusting medications and improving sleep.
I found myself in an odd place. I should be glad I didn’t have PPA, and I was, sort of. But what to do about the memoir! I told this to Tim Lott and he roared with laughter. It is deliciously funny to have this little conundrum, something out of a sitcom—maybe Frasier or Seinfeld. Heady writer seeks to turn bad news into a way to become famous, noble even, only to have the bad news go away. She is fine! Aarrrgh. Her friends who have prayed for her rejoice. Her nurse daughter says, “I told you so.” Her motives are revealed.
As I said, God has exposed my silliness, my desire for people’s recognition. It is actually not a small thing at all. Spiritual writers assign this sort of behavior as a form of ‘human respect,” and pride. Time for confession.
Well, off I go.
Very very glad to hear you do not have PPA!
That’s a great news for you and for us all!