Wonderful journey ping!
I'm sure the past decade has been sheer hell, Nancy, but the Ronald Reagan I know and love was no cannibal.
My father died of Alzheimers (I know, I know - no one dies from Alzheimers, technically, so I'll say he died of pneumonia he wouldn't have had but for the Alzheimers). In his case, it was obvious when the end was near, as I suspect it is with President Reagan. Although we will miss his humor, his noble character, there's some comfort in knowing that he soon will be released from the awful prison this disease has made of his mind and body.
God Bless Mr. Reagan, your best days lie ahead with the Lord.
And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was 8 years ago. But more than that: After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home.
We've done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan revolution, the men and women across America who for 8 years did the work that brought America back. My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all.
And so, goodbye, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
My fellow Americans, I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.
Upon learning this news, Nancy and 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 day may be, I will leave 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
Ronald Reagan - one of the few bright spots in American politics for as far back as I can remember being concerned with politics (some forty years).
The false impression that fetal stem cells have potential to treat alzheimers will be hyped out of context of the overall state of stem cell research.
It's already happening before he's passed. Nancy Reagan means well but has been taken in. People hurting after a loss and after a long bout of difficulty are often taken in by snake oil sales.
Bumping for a true American hero
LongsForReagan
Conservatives - whether columnists, commentators, talk show hosts, or FREEPERS, should prepare now for when the end comes.
We should have columns, background, letters, and phone messages ready to flood networks, newspapers, and networks with our eulogies - describing what President Reagan has meant to the us, to America and to the World.
If we are passive the press will have faint praise for one of the top two Presidents in my lifetime. We should use our mailings lists, phone numbers and personal contacts to urge prominent Conservatives to be prepared.
I am saddened already, to know the end is coming - and to be urging activity like this before he dies. However, I recall when President Kennedy was killed, there was a rush to name expressways, airports, schools and buildings for him.
President Reagan deserves the same response...and more.
God Bless Ronald Reagan and God bless the USA. (As you perhaps recall, the song, God Bless the USA became so associated with him that one thought of him everytime the song was played.)
Broke out my Ronald Reagan coin and gave it a good polishing, and thanked GOD for Ronnie, the victor in the Cold War.
