Amid the endless purchasing and consumption which takes place in the run-up to December 25th, it can be very easy to lose perspective of the single most important thing in life - the health and happiness of our family members.
Reminding the public that while millions of families celebrate the festive season, millions more spend it contemplating the life and lived experience of a beloved family member, one YouTube user uploaded a video which captures the heartbreaking reality of the disease.
Since its upload to YouTube on December 7th, the video entitled ‘I’m Scared’ has amassed almost 200,000 hits – something which is sure to please Joe Fraley who shared the footage of his mum in an effort to raise awareness of the condition.
While acknowledging that members of the public may find the content distressing, the 34-year-old insists it’s necessary viewing, saying: “I think it’s important to raise awareness of this disease. So I posted it.”
The upload, which is bound to strike a chord with anyone who has been affected by the heartbreaking disease, shows Joe’s 70-year-old mother chat with her son and admit fear for the future.
The video, which was filmed 18 months ago, has been inundated with messages from members of the public who were quick to commend Joe on his decision to post the footage.
“When you said 'I'm sorry' at the end it made my heart sink. You don't have anything to be sorry for," wrote one YouTube user.
“Life can be cruel and doesn't work how we want it to sometimes and the way you are looking after your mum and your patience is so admirable. You have nothing to be sorry for.”
Joe’s mum is now in Alzheimer’s assisted living and, according to her son, can no longer walk or talk.
We’re thinking of Joe and his family this Christmas.
