He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017. Valentine’s Day is a blessing to lovebirds

Karen and Reggie Walker love each other. And Valentine’s Day is special to them.

That’s why the Lee’s Summit couple always celebrates the February holiday, no matter the changes in their lives.

And there have been many changes for the Walkers since Reggie was diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017.

“It’s a journey,” said Karen. “We don’t know all the turns and twists we will we take. I am embracing it and getting the best out of it.”

That “best” on Valentine’s Day means the Walkers will have a nice dinner at home — with music.

Music has always been important in their relationship, but it has taken on a new role in recent years. Remembering when a song was a hit draws the couple together.

“We listen to music and talk about what was going on in our lives and try to relate back to it,” Karen said. “I want him to keep that memory alive.

“It’s how we hopefully are reliving those memories and creating new memories.”

Karen and Reggie met in the summer of 1981 when both were working for then Rockhurst College (now Rockhurst University). Karen’s friends encouraged her to meet Reggie. Meanwhile, Reggie’s cousin was interested enough in Karen that Reggie arranged to meet with her first.

“You were too nice to give up to my cousin,” Reggie said, smiling at Karen.

Karen said they were drawn together because of a shared love of family and music.

“We just clicked,” she said.

The relationship might have been helped early on by the fact that Karen was originally from St. Louis and listened to different radio stations.

“I brought music to him he had never heard and he was impressed by that,” she said.

They were married in May 1987. Reggie, now 67, and Karen, now 61, have two grown sons and three grandchildren.

It was their children who, about six years ago, first noticed Reggie forgetting enough things to seek a reason, which eventually led to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

“It was something we didn’t expect at all,” Karen said. “We thought we would grow older differently, but we’ve accepted this.”

Alzheimer’s had already touched their family.

Karen’s mother was diagnosis with Alzheimer’s when she was 77 years old. Her mother died in 2019 at the age of 92.

Reggie’s 86-year-old mother is also struggling with memory issues.

It was the couple’s daughter-in-law who suggested contacting the Heart of America Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Karen was aware of the organization by participating in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s fundraiser for several year. Now, the association has become a good resource for her.

That’s exactly the goal of the association.

“At the Alzheimer’s Association, we know the more people we reach, the fewer people have to face this disease alone,” said Brenda Gregg, Alzheimer’s Association dementia care specialist. “That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and services.

“Our goal is to connect families to the services they need so they can live their best life possible.”

The services include including education and social engagement programs, the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) and support groups.

It is her support group where Karen said she has developed a strong common bond with other members.

“I can’t imagine being without it,” she said. “It has helped me. I want to be bold and courageous.”

Karen said the group has taught her a lot about living with her strong personality and Reggie’s diagnosis.

“We clash sometimes,” she said. “I can push his buttons a little more than normal. I am learning to readjust.”

Karen said knowing how to diffuse a situation helps keep the calm and maintain a healthy family environment. The family, after all, is very important to Reggie.

“Without family, there is nothing,” he said.

This Valentine’s Day celebration plans are just for Karen and Reggie.

“We’ll have dinner at the table, and play music without a doubt,” Karen said. “It will be just us two and we will create a new memory.”