I haven't said anything about the death of Ronald Reagan in this blog because, frankly, I voted against him twice and did not like most of his policies (although from the reading I've done this week about him I am becoming persuaded that he had a major role in the downfall of the Soviet Union, something which I am very grateful for). When he was stricken with Alzheimer's, however, I had great sympathy for him and his family. My grandmother died of Alzheimer's, and it is a horrible disease. Al-Muhajabah, a Muslim blogger whom I've referred to before, has a moving post about this:

I think that Reagan's passing must have been a mercy for him and for his family; his mind had already gone on to somewhere that nobody else could follow, and I've always felt that's a terribly sad way to end one's days. My grandmother, who's about the same age as Reagan was, doesn't have the specific Alzheimer's disease, but for her too, she's more gone than there. I think that one of the worst aspects would be to be aware of what's happened to you but unable to communicate it to anybody. I hope that Reagan had passed beyond that stage and my grandmother as well.

She has this useful suggestion:

To me, one of the best ways to honor Reagan's memory in a way that does also something good for others, is to donate for Alzheimer's research and care. The Alzheimer's Association is accepting donations in honor of Reagan and I encourage everybody who can spare some change to make a donation tomorrow on the day of mourning for Reagan. Whether you're a liberal or a conservative and whatever you think of his presidential legacy, he and his family have done a tremendous amount to help other victims of Alzheimer's and that's something we can all feel good about supporting. Thanks.