PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. — As a former educator, reading has always been a passion for Ruth Wichmann. She said audiobooks have been a saving grace lately.
That’s because she can’t physically read anymore.
“I’m so thankful for my books because that is something I can do by myself,” said Ruth Wichmann.
Ruth Wichmann has little-to-no vision. It’s a symptom of her diagnosis, posterior cortical atrophy. It is a form of Alzheimer’s disease that impacts the back of the brain.
“The disease is so weird,” said Ruth Wichmann. “Like sometimes I can’t get in a chair.”
She was diagnosed five years ago at 53-years-old. Ruth Wichmann had to give up teaching and driving but said she still lives a full life.
She goes to the gym and sees a personal trainer, takes daily walks with friends and spends time with her three kids and husband Bryan Wichmann, who has taken on the role as her caregiver.
“It’s really hard to split your emotions between being glad we had a heads up and have some years together, but lately every time we go do something special, I know it’s making memories but it’s painful knowing this is the last time we’re doing this together,” said Bryan Wichmann.
He continues to cherish those memories they’ve created over the years, like the day they met at a scenic overlook in Utah.
“My friend was like, 'You should have given her your number,'” said Bryan Wichmann. “I wrote my number down on a piece of paper and hung it out the car window because they were behind us on the interstate and handed her the note. She called me a couple days later.”
Whether it’s hiking mountains, a weekend at the lake with their children or navigating an illness, the couple said they’re still in this together.
“I try to do my best and stay strong,” said Ruth Wichmann.
Her husband said their motto is, “We do what we can, when we can.”
“Sometimes it’s hard when it’s not the things we want to do or the things we thought we would do,” said Bryan Wichmann. “We’re not hiking around mountains anymore.”
So, they do what they can, such as short walks around the block still hand-in-hand just like they would be on a trail.
What matters to them the most is that they’re still together, despite Ruth Wichmann’s diagnosis.