We’re honored to share a deeply personal song from Orange County singer-songwriter Dwight Michaels, who recently reached out to our team at Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC) with a piece inspired by his own lived experience with Alzheimer’s in his family.
Titled “December Rain,” the song reflects what he has learned through his personal journey and serves as a dedication to others facing a similar path. We’re grateful for his efforts to raise awareness and inspire others.
AlzOC asked him a series of questions to dive deeper into his journey, the inspiration behind the song, and his thoughts on Alzheimer’s disease.
Can you tell us a little about your background and your connection to Alzheimer’s disease?
I’m a songwriter who has always used music as a way to share experiences and observations that have shaped my life thus far. My grandmother had Alzheimer’s, and passed away in 2002. At that time I was aware of the disease and its impact, but from a distance. About a year ago, I was dropped into the deep end when my father passed away and I became responsible for my mother’s care. Watching the gradual changes—the loss of memory and ability to do the most common things that Mom had been doing her entire life—had a profound impact on me, both emotionally and creatively. It gave me a deeper understanding of how far-reaching this disease is, not just for the individual, but for everyone in their life.
What inspired you to write this song?
“December Rain” was inspired by the unspoken moments that come with Alzheimer’s—the confusion, the longing, and, most of all, the sense of loss. I wrote it from the experience of watching my mom slowly slip away, and the emotional weight that carries every day. It was my way of processing what I was witnessing and putting those feelings into something I could share. I wrote this song for the families and friends who are walking through this with someone they love, and for the millions of people affected by this devastating disease.
What was your perception of Alzheimer’s prior to your experience with it? How has it changed?
Before experiencing it firsthand, I understood Alzheimer’s in a more distant, clinical way. I thought of it primarily as memory loss. But going through it alongside my mom changed that perspective completely. I now see it as a deeply human condition that affects identity, relationships, and dignity. It’s not just about forgetting—it’s about the gradual transformation of a person’s world and the emotional toll that takes on families and caregivers.
What would you like others to know about the disease and those affected?
I think it’s important for people to understand that those living with Alzheimer’s are still present in meaningful ways, even as the disease progresses. There is still emotion, still connection, still humanity. Patience, compassion, and presence matter more than anything. Small moments—music, touch, familiar voices—can still reach them in powerful ways.
Why do you think organizations like Alzheimer’s Orange County are important to the community?
Organizations like Alzheimer’s Orange County play a critical role in providing support, education, and a sense of community for families navigating this disease. They help people feel less alone and offer practical resources that make a real difference. Just as importantly, they raise awareness and advocate for better understanding and care, which benefits the entire community.
