What is Best Dad in the Galaxy?
Honoring Lynn
Four generations of a family’s struggle to stay united caring for younger onset Alzheimer’s members
Of course I’m not the best dad in the galaxy. Who would claim such a title for oneself? But Lynne, my oldest daughter, said I was. When she was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 51 it rocked our world. My wife and I, our two other adult children, and her three sons, were staring into a strange and frightening new world. But her dynamic personality inspired us to create a loving community, sharing our heartbreaking and inspiring stories online for anyone to follow. What began as my way of staying close to my daughter grew into a space of understanding, strength, and shared love for those navigating similar journeys. Though she had named me “Best Dad in the Galaxy,” I was to have much to learn to wear the title more comfortably. I hope my memoir will encourage, strengthen, and inform others on this road.
Meet Jim.
“I retired two-days before turning 60 (I brag that I retired at 59) after a career in business, community service and education, ending as a community college Dean for business and computer technology. My wife and I moved to be near our children where we continued our interests in outdoor activities, traveling and community service, including a newspaper column in a small neighborhood weekly.
LYNN RUSSELL
Look for new work and ideas from my site. We’ll have a new platform keep you posted on our family and friends. A developmental editor has given me encouragement and great suggestions, so I hope to be keeping readers updated.
An overflow crowd celebrated beloved Lynne Russell, on July 14, 2024, at the Wisteria Pavilion in the Arboretum. Guest after guest shared memories of how Lynne enlivened their spirits. Sadly, more friends were waiting to add stories when we had to end. #alzauthors #caregiver We opened with a blessing by John Donahue: To Bless the […]
The Russell family were the honored caregivers at the Help and Hope Dinner benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. We raised a record amount of $533,000. Jim Russell gave the following message. I do not accept this honor trusting in our own righteousness, rather with the great blessings we have received. We were blessed with the […]
Harriet, Lynne’s neighbor, has a message to share with all of you. Dear Jim, Simon, Henrik and Christoph this letter is to express how much Lynne meant to me and how her friendship enriched me. She has left a lasting legacy on everyone she touched as you should know#alzauthors Lynne’s leadership was inspiring. Lynne’s superpower […]
https://e.givesmart.com/events/zr1/ Lynne Russell’s family will be honored as the 2024 ‘family-caregivers’ by Alzheimer’s Association Washington Chapter at its annual gala on June 1. A video will highlight caregiving with Lynne, her sons, & Dad. Gather friends & join us, please Tags Alzheimer’s Dementia Caregiver Caregiving father-daughter
This note is from Victoria Mabus, a friend of Lynne’s. I met Lynne in 2019 when we both took Stephanie Vuolo’s Women’s Strength class. Although she was already living with dementia, Lynne’s bright outlook was infectious. I don’t think she ever missed a class — three times a week she was working as hard as any […]
Meet Lynne.
Lynne Russell She is 54 years old and lives at an assisted living facility where caregivers, family and friends provide support. She has three sons, one in high school and two in college who live within 15 minutes with her ex-husband. They visit regularly when they’re not working, attending school, or studying. She has a brother and sister with families who constantly share with her on media and travel to visit her on holidays or weekends.
She began a career in 1989 as a human resources professional responsible for the full range of leadership development, training, recruitment, performance management and compensation. She began at Microsoft in the US and Asia…
Honoring Love, Past and Present
A New Chapter
Together, they show that healing means honoring the past while embracing new beginnings.
Meet Carol — a warm, kind-hearted woman whose presence has brought new light and balance to this next chapter of the journey. With compassion and grace, she honors the memory of Lynne while helping continue the mission of Best Dad in the Galaxy: spreading love, understanding, and support to families facing dementia.
