Any form of memory loss illness for so many years was very much misunderstood. It was learned over the years that all the men in the Henderson family had died before the age of 50...so whatever the disease afflicting the family was thought to only effect the male members of the family, although Robert's mother died when he was 4 and her sister Thima at age 38. Life expectancies were not then what they are now.
Some of the cousins started to inquire if any of the females of the family had experienced symptoms, (several other male cousins had died from the disease already) because another child, this time a female, was experiencing the same illness. This branch of the family lived in Michigan and from there it became an intense study by the University of Michigan to make a correct diagnosis.
In the meantime, Alexander's children had become victim to the illness and Mike, the eldest had died. Then Chris was diagnosed while in the armed forces and was given a mental discharge because he couldn't remember what needed to be done. He was experiencing other symptoms as well. After all these years society still had not learned to be tolerant or understanding of so called "mental illness." Robin, the daughter was diagnosed and later died. Then Chris passed away and the only child left in Alexander's family was Rick. He lost his claim on life in 2002. So now, all of Alexander's children are gone due to this mysterious illness. However, some good came from all of it for the children of the future.The study by the University of Michigan believed they had pinpointed the illness but there was no cure. None of the children of the three daughters of Robert had any symptoms of the disease and none of their children. Unfortunately, Alexander's five grandchildren have only a 50/50 chance of survival. Research is now being done on a priority basis so there may be hope for them. We pray to God it is soon. Chris's service benefits were restored to him before he passed away, and he was given an honorable discharge. Alexander's wife Blanch still lives in Newport near the grandchildren and her family. I'm thankful Julian Ann did not have to see the death of her grandchildren as it was a tremendous loss to us all but God is good and gives us strength to weather the storms of life...
Another of Julia's daughters, Willistine lost her life not due to the disease that had devastated the family but from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) She fought a gallant fight leaving just the two sisters who carried on the principles and faith of their mother who had the resolve to carry on no matter what.
If Julia were still here she would be urging her family froward to live their lives, love their families, reach out to others, live for God and never, never stop seeking knowledge and striving for all you can be...because you are "never too old to learn."
The disease spoken of was discovered to have been passed down through Robert's mother, who died at age 38. The name is Pick's Disease and is fatal to young adults. No one knows the cause.(see Appendix for more information)
Lizzie Mary Lou, the daughter who wrote this memoir, died of a massive heart attack on August 10, 2003. She died with her hair freshly done at the salon, her suitcase packed (she was to leave for a trip to the Dakotas with her oldest daughter) and her house clean, looking forward to another adventure.
Lizzie Mary Lou shares her final, eternal adventure with Ken, her husband, Julia Ann, her dad Robert, her brother Alexander, and all in the family who have gone before.
