Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and a new drug to slow its progression enable me to write this imperfect letter eight years after diagnosis.

Thank you for your generous spread putting that message into so many more hands of your readers.

Ceille Baird Welch created the best and most comprehensive presentation I have ever witnessed of this or any other complex subject. In eight years, I have read the slick national magazines, big city newspapers, special publications, and scores of television documentaries. Of all, her’s, in a word, is best.

I have already gotten several calls from people who recognized my picture. Whatever small part I brought, I will savor as long as cognizance permits.

As a professional public speaker and seminar leader travelling across the USA, whenever I could I looked at the local weeklies. Yours is in the top tier.

I know the origin of your paper. Harold Booker was my editor, and I saw Miller Montgomery often. I started reading you again upon your availability in Lexington. Thanks for bringing it across the river.

The most interesting was from a 72–year–old widow in Hazelwood whom I hadn’t heard from in 45 years. My father married her and her late husband in our living room. She remembered my mother prepared fresh cut flowers but could not remember if mother played the piano or pump organ. She often added that as a sweetener.

I am giving you much more information than needed, but your spread has touched some souls, including mine. We had no telephone, so the couples would just show up. My father was an impish man. The question was asked: “Well, what do you charge?” “Whatever you think she’s worth.” One fellow gave him a Tampa Nugget cigar.

He was Miller H. Mellette, a farmer, “circuit rider” preacher, served 24 years in the house, and founded the Free Will Baptist Children’ Home in 1952. To this day they accept no government funds.

The Mellette family is mentioned in the new SC History, for our leadership progressive role in race relations.

Warmest regards,

Russell D. Mellette