COUNTY LIFE
Memories fade, love abides – Janet McMurray attempts to savor each moment as Alzheimer’s slowly steals her husband
By BARBARA GREEN
Each day when Janet McMurray sees her husband, Clyde, she says “I am Janet your wife, I love you.”
Not uncommon, but it’s different for Janet because her husband of 54 years may not recognize her that day because he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
One in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia. One in three seniors dies with the disease or another dementia.
It accounts for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. An estimated 5.3 million people are suffering with the disease.
It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death in the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented.
Alzheimer’s disease was first identified more than 100 years ago, but research into its symptoms, causes and risk factors and treatment has gained momentum only in the last 30 years. Research has revealed a great deal, but much is still left to be learned about the precise cause of Alzheimer’s and why it progresses at different rates among affected individuals, and how it can be prevented, slowed or stopped.
The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is advanced age, and while age is the greatest risk factor, it is not a normal part of aging and is not sufficient to cause the disease. Individuals who have a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than those who do not have a first degree relative.
Janet and Clyde McMurray on their wedding day July 22, 1961. (Courtesy photo)
The McMurray’s fell in love while attending Texas Christian University and wed in summer of 1961. They both enjoyed careers as educators and were looking forward to travel adventure after they retired. Fate has dealt them a cruel hand as Clyde is a victim of Alzheimer’s the same disease that took his mother.
Read the full feature on Janet and Clyde McMurray as the couple battles Alzheimer’s Disease in your weekend News.
Pictured: Janet and Clyde McMurray on one of their last European River Cruise as they enjoy a turn on the dance floor.
Montague County Commissioner’s Court will meet at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.
Members will consider an anti-fraud policy and adding it to the personnel policy. The annual liability renewal with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Pool will be reviewed.
Montague County officials will be enrolling in the TAC 2025 certified cybersecurity course required by the state for all employees who use county computers.
Other topics for Monday will include the bond for the county treasurer, review an account application with Schad & Pulte Welding Supply, Inc and consider raising the road hand clothing allowance from $500 to $1,000.
By BARBARA GREEN
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It was family night for the City of Bowie Fire Department as members gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving awards dinner this week.
Firefighter of the Year awards, service awards and officers and firefighters were pinned with their new badges.
Fire Chief Doug Page opened the evening with a remembrance of a fallen firefighter, James Dunham who died 25 years ago on Nov. 18. This Saint Jo firefighter was responding to a car accident at Forestburg and after he arrived suffered a heart attack. Page noted his daughter is auxiliary member Renee Hart.
Chad Long, member of the department for one year and one month received the Firefighter of the Year Award. Kelly Tomlin, nine-year member, was selected by the volunteers to receive the Roy Gene Williams Award.
Read the full story in the weekend Bowie News.
Top photo- New lieutenants Michael Burrows and Chad Gerlach received the oath from Mayor Gaylynn Burris. (Photo by Barbara Green)
The new Montague County Animal Rescue, which will be helping with operation of the new county animal shelter, invite you to “Wine Like A Dog” on Dec. 3 at Kimber Creek Wine Bar and Gift Shop in downtown Bowie.
The evening will include wine and charcuterie from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while raising funds for the rescue organization. Tickets are $50.
Melanie Gillespie of Montague County Animal Rescue said the new 501c3 has completed its agreement to work with Montague County operating the animal shelter.
“Your support enables us to launch the opening of the first county-run animal shelter. We invite you to join our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for animals in need,” said Gillespie.
Limited tickets will be offered at the door based on availability. Those with questions may call Gillespie at 469-951-0215 or email [email protected].
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