Harry Urban often writes about the importance of dreams, hope, and finding a way forward while living with Alzheimer’s disease.
In these two October reflections, he acknowledges both the uncertainty of pursuing dreams and the darkness that can sometimes overwhelm us.
Yet Harry also reminds us that dreams can give us direction, and that the presence of someone who cares—without trying to take control—can make an enormous difference.
These are reflections on continuing to live, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
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14Oct2026
Dreams are what we would like to see but not necessarily what we do see. They may be good, or they may be bad, but they are real to us. I use them as a pathway into my future and try to direct my life toward those dreams.
I can’t use Google Maps to get to where I’m going, I must follow my Dreams. I make many detours along the way because a new dream appears, and I want to see where it goes.
I often hit a dead end because that dream may not pan out and I must find another way to keep going forward. My life is troubling at times but always exciting.
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18Oct2026
Sometimes the darkness of the day blocks any light that may be shining. You don’t want to hear things will get better, because at the time you believe they never will. It is natural to feel that way and you may have cause, but someone needs to make a spark that will turn the light back on.
I often get my head cut off and handed back to me to only get thanked later for being there. We all need someone that cares enough but doesn’t interfere. Don’t walk alone, look around and accept that hand that is being extended. Who knows, it just may be that Guardian Angel you always dreamt about.
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These reflections were originally shared by Harry Urban on Facebook in October 2026. They are preserved here as part of the Dementia Symptom Perspectives collection, honoring the voices and lived experiences of people with dementia.
Harry’s original words have been retained.
Harry’s index page is at .https://truthfulkindness.com/index-persons-with-dementia-pwd/harry-urban/.. .
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* Library Notes — This page is part of the Library – Voices of People Living with Dementia at TruthfulKindness.com. It has been prepared by Truthful Loving Kindness (Truthful Kindness) to help preserve pathways to the writings and lived experiences of people living with dementia. * Unless otherwise indicated, the words above are those of the original author. Copyright remains with the respective author or their estate. My introductory comments and editorial notes are Copyright © Truthful L. Kindness, 18Oct2026 (w/1hr invested). * If you have comments about my page, please use the comment section below. Questions regarding the original author or original publication should be directed to the original source whenever possible. * Nothing in this page is intended as medical or legal advice. The purpose of this library is educational: to help preserve, organize, and share the lived experiences of people living with dementia. * . *** … If there are advertisements on this page, I have no control over what is shown.
*** tags: alzheimers, dementia, dreams, emotional support, grief, Harry Urban, hope, living with dementia, loss, person living with dementia, PLwD, relationship. ******* Add to Pgs/Harry’s index, S&S Categ: Comfort, Grief/Loss, Hope.
short summary: In these three reflections, Harry Urban explores the comfort of his inner world and challenges assumptions about reality, dementia, and the need to bring someone back into our own understanding of the world. His words encourage us to listen before correcting, and to recognize that an inner refuge may offer peace amid the struggles of dementia.
