Don Reddington’s struggle ends, but legacy continues

Together with a staff writer at the Methow Valley News, Don wrote a series of articles discussing what it was like to live with Alzheimer’s. Those stories were reprinted in The Wenatchee World. Here’s what Don wrote about the series:

“I have found that a lot of people are in denial about having the disease, or are trying to hide it. I decided I want to help people with AD who may be denying it, and the family members of people with AD. I want to be open about what my friend Jerry Bristol, who is at a later stage of the disease, and I are going through and about how people with AD would like to be treated. I am a man on a mission.”

His wife Ginger, a celebrated artist in Twisp who frequently has shows throughout North Central Washington, walked the journey with Don to the end. So did their three daughters, particularly Donni Reddington, a nurse at Confluence Health. Last year, Don and Donni decided to tour the state on a motorcycle and sidecar to raise awareness and provide hope for families dealing with the disease. It was a remarkable journey for the father and daughter.

I had the privilege to visit with Don and Ginger from time to time. I saw how exhausting it was for Ginger to provide care day in and day out. She remained resolute and showed an incredible amount of determination, grace and grit. And to bear this struggle in public was such a wonderful gift to all of us. It reminds us of the fragility of life and what really matters. Two of the things that really matter are family and community.

Don: your gentle spirit and wit will be missed. Ginger, Donni and the rest of the family: Thank you for taking us along on this most difficult of journeys and showing us what courage, devotion and selfless service are all about.

Your family has cleared the path for others to bear similar struggles with openness and grace.