I am a 35 year old woman. I work full time, go to grad school part time and was interviewing for a overseas job. My life was full. I am not married and own a 2 family house which I share with my father. I am in the upstairs apartment. He is in the downstairs. I noticed one day my father just standing there doing nothing. It wasn't like him at all as he is a talker and a do-er.. He is also his ideal wieght, exercises and is in shape for a 65 year old man.

I asked him what was wrong and he told me someone stole the car out of the driveway. I smell gas in the apartment and see that the gas light on the stove is out and the house is infested with fumes. I just got home from work and realized something was seriously wrong with him. The car is gone. He didn't even think to leave the house.

I open all windows, get him outside, call the police department to report the car missing and take a good look at my father. This is the man who stood by me, my confidant, the person who was my rock! Something is wrong.

A couple of days later I got a call from the police department. My dad's car was found with the keys still in it by the place where he goes to shave his face. He forgot it there and walked home. I paid the $800 dollars to get it out of the lot and keep the keys.

My father is 6'2" tall and physically healthy. He is a Jewish-conservative male. Very independent male. So when I took the keys away from him and told him he couldn't drive anymore he got REALLY angry. I stood my ground. At that moment I realized I had to be the parent. I pointed out that I stood by too long and now he would HAVE to do what I said. To my amazement he listened. (I thought thank god because he is much bigger than me and doesn't take directions from anyone). In retrospection I think he knew something was wrong. I took him to the doctor and after tests he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

My life is changed irrecoverably. So has his.

To be continued...