5 MINUTES
with DR. LAURA SCHLESSINGER
Facing Her Challenge By Being Fierce in Life
I
will be 79 in two months. that is one seriously big number. Never mind, I can deadlift my own
weight, work a daily three-hour live radio program, work leather and denim into purses of charity work, and skipper a 41-foot racing sailboat. Never mind. That is
one big number. And when I see my
reflection, it sucks my breath away — and not in a good way! LOL. When it takes
me a few seconds to remember why I came into the kitchen, part of me freaks until I remember, “I have a lot of stuff on my mind!” In October of
2023, I talked to a woman caller about her being diagnosed with dementia. She was a charming, bright, very articulate woman who was looking down the barrel of literally losing her mind. Her list of lifetime accomplishments was staggering, indicating a person who used her brain to great success and creativity. So much for use it or lose it. One of her
many talents was poetry. During our lengthy conversation, I challenged her to continue to be fierce in her life and in the face of this challenge. I even suggested she write a poem about this terrible diagnosis and experience. In April, I received her poem, I Am
Fierce (right). Upshot, she is fiercely fighting dementia
with lifestyle changes, medicines, and good friends.
Listen to Dr. Laura on SiriusXM Channel 111, Mon.–Sat. 2–6pm ET, Sun. 5–9pm ET.
82 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | DECEMBER 2025
I AM FIERCE
The seas are confused as my ship runs aground The winds blow fiercely, but the ship is sound It can take the weather, it can take the waves But can it take the silence, the darkness, the sprays
The ship is now aground, how do I make amends How can I be fierce against the seas and wind Shall I wait for the rising tide With my shipmates by my side
The seas will torment me until I see the morn My ship lifts off the sand dune, no longer forlorn Away from the rocky, treacherous shore Further, for us to set sail evermore
I helm behind the red full-sail The calm seas as I drink my ale The joyful dolphins play before the bow I forget yesterday’s knowing how
To remember all the little things I’ll find the words; I have to seek
Set the sails another day I’m afraid of what one would say But I must be fierce; I must implore Unlike a lion, I will silently roar
I’ll be fierce as I open my eyes Life was fun with no disguise Dream of years long ago As the storm blows and blows
Through the blinding torrent of rain I sit and watch; no one to blame Seeking the calmness of the seas With no one but me to please
I shall roar but not silently For I find myself angrily To have a death of me but not to die My fierce roar intertwined with a cry
Fierce am I, Fierce and I To continue life, I will sigh Against the blankness of my mind with no cure I loudly roar again, again, to endure
Fierce am I
CANDLES/ZERBOR©ISTOCK / PAPER/TOMOGRAF©ISTOCK
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