http://martibailey.livejournal.com/ martibailey - LiveJournal.com Tue, 15 Aug 2006 04:34:22 GMT LiveJournal / LiveJournal.com martibailey 10789988 personal http://martibailey.livejournal.com/694.html Tue, 15 Aug 2006 04:34:22 GMT http://martibailey.livejournal.com/694.html I have known for some time how important a smile is...in fact, when I was about six, I learned the Brownie song. <br /><br /> I've got something in my pocket<br /> It belongs across my face<br /> I keep it very close to me in a most convenient place<br /> And I'm sure you couldn't guess it<br /> If you guessed a long, long, while<br /> I'll take it out and put it on, <br /> It's a great big, Brownie smile!<br /><br />Tragically, though, when Alzheimer's disease is more advanced, the victim of the disease ceases to smile. He or she no longer possesses the cognitive ability to register pleasure or enjoy a joke. I met someone today in this state of cognitive decline and it saddened me. I asked her what she enjoyed and she said "Nothing." <br /><br />How grateful I am for a world that includes humor, pleasant reactions, and smiles. It is so easy to take for granted the small joys in life. http://martibailey.livejournal.com/694.html thoughtful public 0