My name is Pamela Harr. This is my story. This is my story of my experiences when my husband, Harvey Rattey, was in the last stages of Alzheimer's Disease, as told through email messages to friends and family. As clearly as I could I told how I felt while Harvey and I experienced our lives as the days and months passed. I will take you on a day-to-day journey with me as I struggle to balance life with other family members, with my husband's and my business, and daily activities, all the while seeking the best available care for my husband.
While Alzheimer's is a tragic disease, my story is not tragic. Every day brought moments of intense love, times of joy, and unexpected humor.
In seeking to understand how I could best care for my husband, I met new friends and helpers, strengthened my relationship with friends and family in our isolated eastern Montana community, and found a support group who will remain with me through the remainder of my life.
I am aware that often my fears, my frustrations and my helplessness, my love, colored my observations and my perceptions. I mean no offense to anyone. I appreciate the gentleness and dedication of the caregivers who worked with us. I appreciate the care and support of my friends.
Artist, speaker, writer, illustrator, physical therapist, rancher, cowgirl, wife and mother, Pamela Harr has led a rich and varied life. Pamela's background as well as her talents, have given her unique insight and strengths as she tackled the job of care-giver and advocate as her husband, Western Artist, Harvey Rattey, declined with Alzheimer's Disease. With candor and honesty Pamela has shared her day-to-day struggles during Harvey's last months. She juggled ranch work, family, business, on-going sculpting, sales, with counting medicines and seeking the best care available for her husband. She depicts the tears and frustrations as well as the tender moments and laughter.
Pamela has written articles for Creative Living, Western Horseman, South Dakota Heritage, Southwest Art and a quarterly marketing newsletter.
