What can I say?

I don't consider myself a great writer, and I'm sure I'll make mistakes when starting a blog. However, sometimes it's necessary to step out of your comfort zone to tell the stories that need to be told.

I believe in resilience. Despite facing my own set of life's challenges and seeing others around me tackle both major and minor life changes, the ability to still find positivity in their day or feel gratitude for someone or something is inspiring. It gives me the strength to face another challenge or a new day. We do this together. As humans, we navigate through life, and the best way to do it is with each other.

It may be hard to believe, but I began working at the age of 13, in various jobs, babysitting, cleaning, telemarketing and just trying to find my way. By 18, I was employed in a nursing home, starting in a secured unit for individuals living with dementia and taking classes at our community college. As a housekeeper, I faced the challenge of eliminating the urine smell, hoarding, and many more interesting stories that I will leave for another day. Yet the most fulfilling aspect of my job was gaining a multitude of grandparents. I saw them not as their illness defined them, but for who they were at that moment they were experiencing. Years of experience have taught me that such perspective doesn't come naturally to everyone. Indeed, one of the greatest ongoing challenges I face is combating stigma and 'othering' and the tendency for carers to strip away choices from someone with a diagnosis, like selecting their own meal or participating in healthcare discussions, simply because of a diagnosis.

So fast forward, 25 years later. After much experience in long term care, meeting so many people with their own unique stories and advocating for them, I find myself lucky to be in a position as the Dementia Friendly Indiana Community Liaison. Where I can elevate stories of survival and resilience. And I love it! Because it is what keeps me going.

To learn about Dementia Friendly Communities and how they originated, I recommend you explore Dementia Friendly America. I also recommend that you check out the book written by Susan McFadden titled Dementia Friendly Communities.

There it is, my very first short blog post. I can't promise much, but I aim to return soon with some compelling stories from the people I work with daily. They keep me grounded with their authenticity, sharing both triumphs and struggles, and demonstrating the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. They inspire me, and I hope to convey their stories to you, to offer you the same hope.

- Amanda Oporta