I was really interested in reviewing this book because my aunt Annie had Alzheimer's. I don't remember when she was diagnosed, but I remember her downward spiral started in 1980-1981 when she was around 65. She died in early 1990. I appreciate that the author is donating to the Alzheimer's Association.
Another reason I was interested in reviewing is because I have been an elderly caretaker. One of my other aunts that I was close to, Helen, had me in charge of her financial side, while my sister-in-law took care of the medical side (since she's an RN).
Elaine's memoir is a book that should be read by anyone who is or has gone through being a caretaker for an elderly relative. I could not believe how much this book resonated with me. There were many times throughout the book that I thought, "I had that happen too!" It just reminded me that even though I was alone in the journey of taking care of my Aunt, I wasn't alone! This was my first full book read on my Kindle and I highlighted 44 areas that I had a "YES!" moment. No one really prepares you for becoming a caretaker (no matter the level).
Elaine did a great job in giving the background history about her family. The glimpses in her relationship with her mother and family helped with explaining the feelings of the child becoming the parent. Kudos to Elaine for putting her story out there. I'm sure it was hard to relive those emotional times in her life, but it will help others.
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Over time, as their relationship evolves and a new paradigm is formed, Betty begins to exhibit goofy actions, uncharacteristic verbal assaults and bizarre thinking. Although clearly mystified by her mother’s irrational behaviors, Elaine does not initially appreciate the extent of Betty’s mental decline. Her mother’s amazing ability to mask the truth clouds Elaine’s vision and prolongs her denial until one cataclysmic explosion of reality over an innocuous drapery rod launches a waterfall of destructive events.
As her mother’s brilliant mind is steadily destroyed by Dementia’s insatiable appetite for brain cells, Elaine accompanies her mother on her one-way journey through Alzheimer’s mystifying haze. Elaine cherishes her mother’s fascinating visions of her own mother, masterful Houdini-like disappearances and finally a stunning rally to take control of her own destiny.
I Will Never Forget is a heartwarming, humorous, honest and deeply moving story pertinent to everyone touched by the insidious effects of Dementia. Learn from Elaine's unwitting mistakes as she weaves her way through her mother’s unpredictable disease to capture insightful and effective intervention strategies.
The author donates a portion of every book sold to Alzheimer's research "in part so that my daughter's don't have to write a book about me one day."
#1 Best Seller in medical Biographies and Memoirs (Kindle) Amazon March 2014
#1 Best Seller in Medical Professional Biographies (Books) Amazon March 2014
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About the Author
Elaine C. Pereira is a retired school occupational therapist who worked with special needs children. She earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State University and later completed her master’s degree. She also has completed courses as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Caregiver, CDP. CDC.
Elaine and her husband Joseph live in southeastern Michigan with their cat, Snoopy, and two big dogs, Bailey and Maddee. Together they have five adult children; Joe’s three sons and Elaine’s twin daughters, five young grandchildren and a teenage granddaughter. Life is good again.
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"She was a kind, brilliant and talented person all of her life until Alzheimer's took hold leaving an agitated, bewildered and compromised woman in its wake. I was NOT the easy kid to raise, that would have been my brother. But after a decade of great personal sacrifice and unspeakable losses, Mom started her descent into dementia. I stepped up as she slid down, grateful to give back to the woman who once gave so much!" - author Elaine C Pereira
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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY
5 Lucky Winners will each win a Signed Book of I Will Never Forget
Open to US or ebook for Worldwide winners
Ending on Sunday 15th June at 11.59pm EST
Enter Below and Good Luck !!
I agree I think this will be a great comfort to carers and families out there xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Esa and Zed's human parent(s) for the personal and transparent review. Indeed you must have felt very alone in the care taking journey of your aunt given the greater lack of understanding about Alzheimer's then verses now.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elaine! I was only 11 when my Aunt Annie was hospitalized and stayed in a nursing home the rest of her life. It is amazing how much medicine has advanced. My Aunt Annie was unable to speak and was bed ridden for the last couple of years. There was basically no medicine back then to help. We used to say, we knew she recognized us because of her eyes.
DeleteMy Aunt Helen was more old age dementia but also mini-strokes. So many comments you made about your dad resonated with me about the stroke along with the dementia. Oh and family sayings, family "specials" (I always had special treats and food from Aunt Helen), and frugal ways (separating food waste).
Definitely a generation thing.