7There is no more precious experience than a human life with all its sharp elbows and soft spots. Yet when one's life is complete, we satisfy ourselves with a simple gravestone noting name and dates. Nothing about that life's struggles nor yet its celebrations, nothing of guidance to the coming generation. This book, not an autobiography, represents the memories and thoughts of a senior man diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Dementia stirs up thoughts of nursing homes and residents staring blankly at the wall. It may come to that for me, but it hasn't yet, and this book marks my last chance to roar at the disease, which daily robs me of talents and memories. May it guide you as well.