Steven Keeva

It has taken me a few days to post about my visit with Steve Keeva on Tuesday. [Most people reading this blog have either read Transforming Practices or Steve's columns in the ABA Journal. He is a beloved member of our community.] On one hand, it was wonderful to see him. He is still the Steve I recall in many ways. We made humorous cracks at each other and shared updates of various friends in the movement. Michael captured excerpts from our interviews which were specifically about Steve and created a Tribute to Steve Keeva piece that was quite touching. We left a copy with Steve and he was going to watch it with his kids and give a copy to his mother. He said it was good for him to remember who he is, who he has been.

I think it was Dean Daisy Floyd who best described Steve Keeva as a storyteller, a talented wordsmith. And that part of Steve Keeva isn't there any more. Diagnosed with various neurological conditions, including possibly early Alzheimer's, Steve has been searching for a more dispositive label for what is happening to him. He is physically strong but has lost his ability to tell stories and to string words together. Like stroke victims, he says that he can "see" the words in his head but can't say them. He describes it as an issue with short term memory - he often can't remember what story he is telling long enough to finish an idea from the beginning of a sentence to the end. He isn't able to read or write email and his days often feel empty.

In August, Steve is going to Australia where his mother lives. A world famous neurologist is there and he has an appointment. Steve hopes to get a more accurate diagnosis.

We didn't film Steve. He was too embarrassed about his condition. Being with Steve, I got a stronger sense of urgency about what we're doing. It seems so important to capture the stories of our pioneers now.