Will Ferrell is one of my favorite comics.
His impression of President George W. Bush is priceless. His Ricky Bobby race-car driver character cracks me up.
But for the ever-lovin’ life of me, I do not understand the role he is about to undertake.
Ferrell is set to play President Ronald Reagan in a bleeping satire about Alzheimer’s disease.
Maybe I’m a fuddy-duddy. Perhaps I need to dust off my funny bone.
The film reportedly will be set during President Reagan’s second term. Dementia sets in. His staff supposedly tells him he’s an actor portraying the president.
Gosh, that’s a real knee-slapper, right?
Actually, it isn’t.
Those of us who have intimate knowledge and experience with this dreaded disease might not see the humor in it. OK, maybe some of us will.
I don’t.
The disease is a merciless predator. It strips away people’s cognition, their memory. Everything!
My mother died of the disease 32 years ago at the age of 61. I watched her essence disappear over time.
And another beloved member of my family is in its early stages. He’s doing well at this moment. Time, though, is not on his side.
It’s a miserable, heartbreaking, tragic disease.
Someone now wants to poke fun at this killer that victimizes millions of Americans. Its victims include those who suffer from the disease and their loved ones who must watch them deteriorate.
How is that funny?
I have had some experience with Alzheimer’s. My aunt was afflicted. My wife’s grandfather was as well. There were instances that were very uncomfortable and needed to be forgotten. But there were moments that, even though unsettling, were humorous.The first time my wife’s grandfather met me, he was so happy to see me again even though it was the first time he’d laid eyes on me. But when one is dealing with that type of condition, it is sometimes expedient to search for lighter moments.
Nevertheless, I have to agree with you concerning Will Ferrell’s depiction of Reagan’s Alzheimer’s syndrome.
Not cool.
Lighter moments? I’m a fuddy-duddy, Paul. My own experience with the disease informs me that there’s not a single way to make light of this killer’s ruthless nature. Thanks for your comment.