The title above is a line from a song Marie and Jerry’s son, Jeff, wrote. ( Visit Jerry Quebedeaux on YouTube to listen to Jeff's songs. ) Jerry could have written that line for him and Marie. Jerry can’t change the world. What he has done is make the most of what is: "The World of ALZHEIMER'S."

How did this journey begin for the Quebedeaux family?

It was February 2011, when Jerry and his daughter, Dawna, put their heads together and said: “Something is wrong.” As an RN, Dawna’s assistance was invaluable. She joined her parents as they consulted with Marie’s medical team. The first test was an MRI and that news was bad enough: Dementia . Dr. Kirk Elliott at St. Francis Clinic in Arnaudville ordered a PET Scan, and the Alzheimer’s diagnosis was delivered.

As many of you know, Jerry is Colonel Jerry Quebedeaux of the Louisiana State Police. He authored his memoirs in a book called “From Humble Beginnings.” (Call Jerry to purchase your copy 337-290-1856) . It is worth your time reading about Jerry’s experiences as a country boy, a husband and father and all the life experiences that produces. Add to that, Jerry is a veteran, a barber, and he enjoyed a great career in the Louisiana State Police where he even worked undercover in drug investigations. Eventually, Jerry reached the top of his profession!

But, this is not about Jerry. This is Marie’s story. Recently, he asked her if she remembers that he had written his book? And, then, he told her he was writing her story now.

All of Jerry’s life experiences came into play when it was time to live with probably his toughest challenge, Alzheimer’s. He was fortunate that his daughter lived nearby. He also recruited his sister Judy, who became a very close friend to Marie as they shared time together.

Medication is the first treatment for Alzheimer's and that was trial and error. By May 2011, the medication trial and error had brought Marie to a point where she was stable on a regimen of two drugs for treatment of Alzheimer’s symptoms of memory loss, confusion and problems with thinking and reasoning – Namenda and Aricept. Jerry explained the treatment worked until one evening when Marie complained of a severe headache and woke up the next morning with blurred vision. She had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which is the less common type of stroke. It happens when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain. With a hemorrhagic stroke the first steps are to find the cause of bleeding in the brain and then control it. After a week in the hospital and two weeks in rehab, Marie came home. With the assistance of Home Health from Opelousas, Marie re-learned techniques from brushing her teeth, combing her hair and even applying her makeup. After two months, she could speak! That was in 2015.

Two years later, in 2017, Marie had lost her incentive to walk and talk. Marie was now incommunicado. In the past year, Marie no longer knew names, although her face still lights up when she sees her grandchildren.

Marie is Ethel Marie Prejean of Eunice , Louisiana. Marie was born at home in Opelousas where they lived at the time. It was on July 4, 1945. Her parents were Mayo Prejean and Erin Ethel Cortez Prejean , who were married on October 10, 1940. Her paternal grandmother, Noelee Latiolais Prejean, Mrs. Aristole Prejean , delivered Marie. Her maternal grandparents were Eddie Benjamin "Ben" Cortez and Vernice Young Cortez .

Marie's siblings are: Norma Jean Prejean (Mrs. Aubrey Vidrine), Merlin John Prejean (married to Charlene Hidalgo), Stanley Joseph Prejean (married to Sandra Cormier), Jodie Lynn Prejean Kibodeaux (Mrs. Mikel Kibodeaux) and Annette Louise Prejean Sattler, (Mrs. Peter Sattler).

Marie's mother's siblings are: Mary Lou Cortez Thibodeaux (Mrs. T.J. Thibodeaux), Merzie Lee Cortez Lavergne, (Mrs. Magnus J. Lavergne), Bernadine Cortez Darbonne (Mrs. Jack Darbonne), Jack D. Cortez who never married and Janelle Cortez who had Down Syndrome.

Marie's father's siblings are: Hilton Prejean (married to Eunice), Rufus Prejean (married to Margaret Julien Beaugh), Aristole Prejean, Jr. (married to Louray), Clarence Prejean (married to Josephine Thibodeaux, Murphy Prejean (married to Theresa Thibodeaux) and Eura Mae Prejean Kolder (married to Aaron Kolder).

As time moved on, Marie required more care. Dawna is a loving and kind daughter. She, along with Jerry's sister, Judy, made it possible for Jerry to live an almost normal life through Marie’s illness. Life would have continued in the same way for longer; but, Jerry has had his own health issues. He has a chapter in his book called: “MY PEARLY GATE REJECT EXPERIENCE.” In that chapter Jerry tells about his heart problems in a very candid way. It is a “must read” chapter of his book.

Recently, when Jerry had to take medication for bronchitis, he went to sleep and did not awaken to respond to Marie’s needs. That scary experience forced Jerry to listen to Dawna and accept the fact that he could no longer care for his beloved wife.

Jerry’s mother, Ella Arnaud Quebedeaux, Mrs. Daniel Quebedeaux, Sr., spent many years at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home. In addition, Jerry and Marie live about a mile up the road from the nursing home. Jerry knew when the decision had to be made. He also knew where Marie would continue her excellent care.

Now, Jerry walks halls A, B, C. D, E, F and G with Marie. They visit all along the way, reacquainting themselves with friends and neighbors of old. Marie even surprised Jerry recently when a fellow resident asked Marie her name and she smilingly answered “Marie.”

Jerry has two brothers who have a religious program called "Dan and Mike's Bible Hour" every first and third Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the nursing home. Join them anytime. The residents love their song books and singing along with the Quebedeaux brothers. Marie does too.

And so, if Jerry had it his way, he would change the world for him and Marie. That is not possible, but he does the next best thing. He keeps a positive attitude and a smiling face. He visits twice a day--he is just that kind of man.

The Marie Story at J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home continues....

I am always honored to write a story for the nursing home website. This is one that everyone should . Alzheimer's can happen to any of us. Reading about it helps prepare us should we ever be faced with this diagnosis or the eventual need to join the residents of J. Michael Morrow Nursing Home . Jerry's example is admirable. Thank you, Jerry and Dawna for sharing your experiences with us!

Betty Arnaud Roy