You can now stream “The Gerda That Remains” on PBS Utah
Dear friends, The film about how my family and I live joyfully with my dementia is now available for streaming. For those of you who were unable to watch the premiere yesterday, follow the link below.
Thanks so much for your years of supporting me and my family with your love. Below, click the image or the film title.
February 18, 2022 @ 12:11 pm
I watched last night and LOVED it! Their story is a BEAUTIFUL one of TRUE LOVE. I love both Gerda and Peter and so honored to call them my friends!
February 23, 2022 @ 2:41 pm
My dear Shauna, Thanks so much for your very lovely comment. Peter and I, too, are so happy to have gotten to know you. We still talk about you and are so happy for the beautiful love you have. I check in on your blog every now and then too, and marvel at how creative and beautiful and loving you always are.
February 18, 2022 @ 1:18 pm
Thank you so much for being so open and sharing your journey with all of us. It is a deep and profound vulnerability that Gerda and Peter opened up to share with the world. I was left with a better understanding for the many facets of love and joy this world has and needs to share. Thank you Gerda.
February 23, 2022 @ 2:42 pm
Thank you for your very kind comment, Dan. I wish joy on you and the people you love. Thanks so much for writing.
February 18, 2022 @ 10:31 pm
Hats off to you for sharing. I think it would be helpful to include a brief explanation of dementia and the different types, similar to your circle graph. My husband has Alz and people ask if he has dementia or Alz. Having your side links to include 2 with “Alzheimer’s” in the title, unless someone reads your blog, they may assume that is your type of dementia. You have a lot of content and many may miss that you have vascular dementia (and not Alz). I don’t know about vascular dementia. The small sampling of people I know dxd with Alz in their 60s, slid much faster than you appear to have and passed within 10 years. Your caretaker is a good man. You are lucky. I have written a graphic narrative about Boyd’s dementia and my journey as his caregiver. I believe by speaking out , sharing, and not hiding or pretending, we help others. Thank you.
February 23, 2022 @ 2:48 pm
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Nia. So sorry to hear that you also know dementia close-up. It a very important issue that you raise–people are always puzzled about the different dementias and do not know that Alzheimer’s, microvascular, Lewy Body are all forms of dementia. I have posted explanations of this through the years, but it sounds like a good idea to have that information right up on my first page. Your husband is, like me, so fortunate to have someone who loves them as their main caregiver. Glad to hear you wrote about it. Is there a way I can buy your graphic narrative? Thanks so much for being in touch.
February 27, 2022 @ 9:30 am
Hi Gerda, I have a ppt with me narrating and I have a hard copy of my graphic narrative. Looks like I cannot ‘attach’ in this space. I have entered by email below and could forward them to you if you like. Are you mentally putting together and physically typing your replies and blog? Boyd lost those abilities many, many moons ago ago. Nia
March 20, 2022 @ 7:56 pm
My sweet friend!!! Hello! It’s been a few years since I’ve reached out. My mother in law told me about your show. I haven’t watched yet but I’m planning on it tonight. Unfortunately my dad was just diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia this week. We knew something was going on and not shocked by the news but trying to wrap our heads around the future. I would love to get together and maybe talk with you and Peter as a resource. I miss you dearly and our chats!! Hope all is well with your family!!
Marti Dumas (your old hair stylist)
801 949-4589
June 12, 2022 @ 9:05 am
My dearest Marti, So sorry I did not get back to you. Just noticed this again today, thought i had responded. So happy to hear from you. I remember you and your family so well. Your girls must be in high school? Done with HS by now? I’d very much love to catch up. Sorry to hear about your dad’s dementia. FTD is a very difficult dementia. I would love so much to get together and talk with you and whoever else in your family you’d like to include. Please e-mail me at gerdasaunders@gmail.com so we can make a date. We live in Sugarhouse and it’s very easy for me to meet in the Barnes & Noble in the same block as our apartment. I miss you too and so much loved getting to know you and your family over the years. It will be fabulous to talk again. Love, Gerda