My name is Torrey Mark Garrison. I am the son of Mark and Bev Garrison.
My dad has always been an amazing man and father. He has been a good provider and leader. Yes, he will tell you himself, he has made many mistakes in life and wish he could have done things differently. He always tells me that you can’t do anything about yesterday and you gotta just keep moving. Well… today he didn’t know who I was.
My father would help anyone. He literally would give you the shirt off his back. He never complains to anyone other than my mom. Well… today he didn’t know who I was.
My father worked for Pepsi Cola when I was born. They fed me Mt Dew on the way home from the hospital. My Dad came to many of my games. He was there for the birth of my children. I remember the first time he told me he loved me. Well… today he didn’t know who I was.
My father loves to clean up outside. He likes to stay busy. He likes to talk about my jeep and my cadillac. He once loved to fish. He don’t like seafood and he likes to watch the Tide play. Well… today he didn’t know who I was.
Today was the day that I really feared. I am scared of very few things in this world but Dementia is evil. It’s an evil disease. He was trying hard but when I asked him who I was he said “she (my mom) told me but I just thought you were my friend.”
Pops, I love you my man. If we ride out into the sunset and all I am is your friend I will do all I can to be your best friend.
(Behind every person with Dementia is a stronger person. Mom you are my hero. You are appreciated.)
Isaiah 46:4 And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.
torreygarrison 
Dementia is a monster. My mom had it, and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through in my life. Especially the part where she forgot who her children were. But, we knew she loved us, even as painful as it was. W e knew now more than ever that we had to be there for her. To let her know how much we loved her. And I know this is what you are doing for your dad.
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Oh Torrey. My heart hurts for you. Yes your Dad is such a good man. Anytime I asked, he was so willing to help. I pray for you and your Mom. Love y’all.
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You would think I would have know this considering our parents have always been friends but I didn’t. My heart broke While reading because I know I wasn’t just reading a blog, I was reading your heart and you let us in. I’m sorry your family is going thru this. I will be praying for you and your family!
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Torrey my heart aches. This dementia is horrible!! We feel so incredibly blessed to be part of this journey. The timing is unfortunate but I have to believe there is a reason. We love each and every one of you and I hate that this is happening. I am so , so sorry. ❤🙏🏽
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Many many prayers. My husband has memory loss and I am praying it doesn’t come to this. God bless you.
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Torrey,
I will always cherish the evenings your dad and I would eat chicken with other friends at the lock. I remember that your dad threw newspapers and magazines down to the tugboat workers. He would always give the tugboat pilot a big wave and say hello if the pilot had his door open while going through the lock. We would watch football games inside the office. I remember him feeding all the little kittens that lived nearby, the doves, the possums, the deer across the road, and the fish at the entrance to the lock. We would watch the cameras as the deer ate all the breaded put out. I was always glad to see him when he walked back across the road. I always feared a coyote would try to take the loaves of bread away from him.
There were times when just he and I were there and he would talk about his family, church, retirement, and moving south with your mom. It was all good. I am so blessed today that he is my friend.
James 4:14 tells us that we do not know what tomorrow might bring. One thing for sure, when Our God is finished with your dad here on earth, He will have a special mansion in Heaven prepared just for him and he will have a new glorified body!
I Love your dad and your mom. Your mom is one special friend as well. You keep encouraging your mom
Everyday. Take time to listen to her talk, let her cry on your shoulder, and give her lots of hugs.
Be thankful for all the wonderful memories and keep sharing your thoughts. You may never know who you might encourage that just might be walking in your shoes too.
God Bless You and all the family.
Neil and Debbie Hobson
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