Everyone Has a Story: Becky & Gerald | News

JACKSONVILLE, Ark. (KTHV) -- Since it's Valentine's week, Liz Massey decided to find a love story. She didn't have to search far.

Becky Polson posted her story on our Today's THV Facebook page and it's one that will truly touch your heart.

You see, Becky and her husband Gerald (photo gallery) have been together since she was 16 years old.  They just celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary.  But Becky's afraid Gerald doesn't remember. They're dealing with a disease that's stealing his memories.

It's a love story that began more than 3 decades ago for Becky and Gerald Polson.

"We met in 1975, in northeast Oklahoma at a park, we had mutual friends and he was camping," recalls Becky.

She was 16 and he was 19. They've been together ever since.

"She gave me that eye, you know," Gerald says laughing.

But a trip down memory lane and looking at old photographs is actually bittersweet. You see, the couple just celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary, but Becky wonders if Gerald even remembers marrying her.

As Becky fights back the tears, she says, "Everything's changed. Dementia is a disease that you think old people get and he got it four years ago at 53."

A disease, that's quickly stealing Gerald's most precious memories.

As Gerald wipes the tears from his eyes, he says, "One day at a time, that's how I take it, cause you don't remember yesterday.">

Becky has become Gerald's caregiver. Making sure he gets his medication and making sure he's safe.

Gerald says, "I don't remember a lot of that stuff, I can just walk away and not remember, like I'm not supposed to cook; forget to turn some burners off."

Becky says it all began about 11 years ago when Gerald nearly died from viral meningitis. She says it caused massive brain damage, then years later Dementia changed their lives forever.

Becky says, "I just wish it was the same, I wish it would go back like it was, I don't understand."

"It's a new world everyday. When I first got it, I was very aggressive, says Gerald."

"Very mean," adds Becky. Gerald continues, "It didn't matter who it was and now they kind of got me calmed down."

Becky does her best to keep Gerald focused. His new hobby, collecting and playing albums helps. But it's still tough for this Navy veteran and former electrical contractor.

"It's pretty frustrating, I've done everything there is to do in this world and it seems like I can't do none of it now," says Gerald.

Becky's biggest fear is that one day Gerald will forget her.

But Gerald says, "I don't expect it at all. If it comes to that, she'll just be my boss," he says laughing.

Gerald knows he's lucky to have Becky by his side. And Despite the tough times, they're in it for the long haul

Becky says, "Till the end, I just pray that it's going to be a long end."

Becky hopes by sharing her story she can help others. Her message, don't give up and get help. In fact, they moved from Oklahoma to Jacksonville 6 months ago to be close to family. She was also part of a support group there and says it became a tremendous help. If you know of a support group around here Becky would love join.

Post it on our Today's THV facebook page. And while you're there, "LIKE" us if you haven't already and share your story. And maybe one day, Liz will feature you.