Former President Reagan Rarely Awake - Report

Yahoo News ^ | December 5, 2003

[RWR8189]

Former President Ronald Reagan, is now confined to a bed, rarely awake and unable to walk or talk, People magazine said in a report issued on Thursday. In an essay accompanying the article about the former president's condition, daughter Patti Davis said people may still think Reagan, 92, is somewhat mobile and active, despite his well-publicized illness, because his family has guarded his privacy so zealously.

"But it would be a disservice to every family who has an Alzheimer's victim in their embrace to say any of that is true, and I don't believe my father would want us to lie," she wrote.

The magazine said Reagan spends his days either in a bed or occasionally in a wheelchair, in a small room at his home in the exclusive Bel Air section of Los Angeles, where he is kept out of the sight of all but his closest family and helpers.

His condition has been in the spotlight again of late after CBS shelved plans to air a mini-series on his presidency that conservative groups said was biased and an unfair attack on someone who was no longer able to defend himself.

The miniseries was eventually edited into a single movie and shown on CBS's sister cable network, Showtime.

Davis, once estranged from her family, said her family's life is now arranged around Reagan's bedside, where he spends his sedentary days.

"When he is awake, which is not that often, he can gaze at the trees outside the window," Davis said.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

I'm sorry to hear that, but thanks for the perspective.

[Smogger]

Reagan had more of a positive impact on the world than any other person who lived during the 20th Century.

More then the Pope? doubtful...

[My2Cents]

I hate to put a political spin on your comments, but the kind of tribute that will come upon President Reagan's death will do more to accurately convey his true legacy, as a President and as a man, than any docu-drama CBS could cook up.

[rustbucket]

When Reagan dies, they should transport his body on a train from California to Washington where he would lie in state in the Capital Building. I would drive hundreds of miles to see the train as it passes and pay my respects.

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

Heartbreaking....this man deserves so much better. God bless the Reagans.

[ValerieUSA]

I understand perfectly Nancy's protection of President Reagan's privacy and dignity now.
My husband was in a hallucinatory state before he lapsed into a coma for his last 3 weeks. I did not invite anyone to the hospital to witness his decline. A former pastor visited to pray and my sister and parents came by to take me to dinner one day, and our three oldest sons saw him very briefly. That was it. No other distant relatives or co-workers or friends or curious bystanders would have been welcome to intrude when Greg was so vulnerable.
If ever I become so incapacitated, I hope someone who loves me will protect whatever is left of me on this earth from morbid spectators, too.
God bless Nancy for her decade of loving care and thoughtfulness.
Ronald Reagan is blessed, not cursed, these days. He is loved.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

My condolences. (I had an aunt who died at a young age from this disease; she was only in her fifties when she started showing signs of it.)

[So Cal Rocket]

Nov. 5, 1994
My Fellow Americans,

In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.

I have recently been told that I am one of the Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.

Upon learning this news, Nancy & I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.

In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing. They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.

So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.

At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.

Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's Disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.

In closing let me thank you, the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will face it with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.

I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.

Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.

Sincerely,



Ronald Reagan

[admiralsn]

Ford.

[Republicus2001]

When will the Hollywood elite throw a HATE REAGAN bash? Perhaps the day of his funeral?

[hapc]

President Reagan was a Captain in the Army, he's probably eligible for burial in Arlington..

[skeeter]

Clinton at President Reagan's funeral would just be a travesty!

No kidding. I spent Clinton's entire last term praying RR would survive until that SOB left office.

I could not stomach the thought of President Clinton, master of ceremonies at RR's funeral, dropping Ron-Brownesque tears all the while damning with feint praise a man who's shoes he wasn't fit to lick.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Anyway, here is the exact comment I made to the Admin Mod in reporting it:
No one deserves Alzheimer's.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Oh, my - I'm sorry to hear that.

[gramho12]

Just remember, Reagan had a full, robust and healthy life for most of his days. He now is frail, but not in pain, and his family is letting the "Old Cowboy" slip into that dark night and the heavenly dawn when God wants him home.

Pity is not something that Reagan would want, and he would also never complain about others less noble and worthy than himself being able to run free.

The thing that would honor him the most would be to remember his accomplishments, and take the high road. Clinton will get his just desserts in time.

[My2Cents]

Well-said. I trust President Bush's judgment, knowing his decency and integrity, more than I trust my own limited knowledge of a specific piece of legislation. I trust W.

[Az Joe]

Reagan's farewell speech with be remembered and cited for centuries while the dasterdly memory of clin-toon will fade into blackness and revulsion.

[Keyes2000mt]

Bump.

[My2Cents]

A big part of Reagan's legacy is his optimism, about this country and what it stands for, and about his faith in the American people to always do what is right. Reagan's optimism put a smiling, positive face on conservatism. George W. Bush is the only one in American politics today who comes close.

[My2Cents]

Actually, he will be buried at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.