Can’t Stop The Music: Alzheimer’s not fazing this couple after 63 years of marriage

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Though most are perfectly fine with talking, John and Mitzi Roper have always thought music is the better form of communication.

“She hums a lot the song, ‘You are my Sunshine,” said John.

“The other night dear, I lay down sleeping. I thought I held you in my arms,” sang John. “It has to be one of the favorites.”

John isn’t the singer of the two. That’s all Mitzi.

“If you have love in your heart, wow. It changes everything. She brought love to my heart 62 years ago,” said John.

“Isn’t he sweet,” remarked Mitzi.

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He said it wasn’t hard to fall in love with the beauty queen. This April, they will have been married for 63 years.

“I do everything,” smiled Mitzi.

In 2014, Mitzi was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  Names and dates fade in and out of her mind. John clings to those moments of clarity.

“Hang on to all of your good thoughts you’ve had for those 62 years and translate them into the tomorrows that are yet to come,” said John.

Sometimes it’s the ‘todays’ that add to the tally he keeps in his heart, especially when Mitzi sits down at the piano.

“It’s almost beyond expression,” said John.

Mitzi is a lifelong musician. She taught piano and has played all her life. While she has trouble remembering people and dates, the music notes always come to her.

“I’m so thankful that that part of her life, that’s so important to her, has retained,” said John.

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“I love him. Guess what? His name is Johnny Roper,” said Mitzi.

“Thank you dear,” said John. “Thank you very much.”

The songs are a surprise and so are the days, but John is certain of what’s to come.

“That’s the Cadillac I drive is the security of knowing, that no matter what happens on this Earth, there’s more to come. We will be there, her memory will come back and I’ll be there to see it. That takes away the loneliness, that takes away the loss,” said John.

The memories don’t always come easy, but for them, the music always does.

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