My dad has this horrible disease, Alzheimer's. The big, strong, funny father I once knew is not here anymore. Alzheimer's has turned him into a scared, paranoid, wandering, skinny, shell of a man.

I hate this disease. I cannot try to understand it, the way it affects people differently and tears their lives apart and the lives of their families. My mother takes care of my father, but that will change soon because she is sick now and can no longer handle it. She shouldn't have to. She feels so guilty for wanting to put him in a home, but I told her it would be for the best because she can't give him the care he needs. She also she can't get the rest and peace of mind she needs because of his wandering.

My dad is 69 years old; he should be enjoying his golden years. He shouldn't have to endure this terrible disease. Nobody should.