Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes
By Suzette Brown
Her Dedication, which truly in itself is very touching:
When I seen the cover of this book, I read about it thoroughly. I liked the fact that it wasn't simply a lecture, and educational sources, and simple "this is what you need to know" book about Alzheimer's. No, it was insight. So I went to the Author and point blank asked her could I review her book, and interview her. I explained that I wanted it on my blog, because I felt it was something readers, well-- honestly everyone should know first hand. Not just hearing about Alzheimer's, but what it's truly like being the one who has it, and the one who is taking care of the person whom has it.
Then I spoke with Suzette, and she and I had a nice long talk, and opened up to one another. She agrees that people need insight, which is exactly why she wrote the book.
Enough blabbering, I suppose you want me to get to the point; right? Yes of course! On with the review already!
The kindle price of the book was perfect, under four dollars. With the insight and education you end up learning, it is well worth every cent. What made me laugh was right in the very beginning: Suzette comes across a woman escorting her own mother along. They end up briefly talking, and Suzette ends up sharing with her that she was writing a book on this kind of thing. You know, taking care of people with Alzheimer's and what it's like, and what they go through. The woman told her to finish it. It was because of this woman that Suzette did in fact finish it. If that woman also agreed that people needed insight, then there would be others!
As I read through this book, everything is true to life. Suzette kept a journal of the goings on with her Mother. A lot of it is repetitive, but that in itself is common in Alzheimer's.
I found this book very deep and soulful. I could see and feel everything, including the pain. Car accidents, annoyances in the constant phone calls, and disturbances of daily rituals. Wanting to be there for her Mother, yet wanting to take care of her own family and life at the same time.
I wish to share a quote from Suzette's book: "Alzheimer's is a cruel disease, it is a disease of the brain, it is irreversible. It is heartless and non-relenting."
Then I wish to also share what else she learned, that might be insightful to others, as it was to me: These are common signs of elderly abuse: not washing your hair or body, not eating correctly, not having clean clothes, or keeping clean. And sometimes not sleeping at all, or even on a sporadic sleeping schedule.
As I came close to the end of this book, I ended up bawling. I too, know you need to give those that are in fact dying, "permission to die" I've been there. But to read it happening to someone else. It just tore my heart out.
I was pleased to find afterwards, to find all sorts of resources for Alzheimer's at the end of this excellent and resourceful read. This book is worth every penny, and more! It's very educational, and truly gives you a first hand look at what caregivers truly go through, as well as the Alzheimer's patient as well. It's not a good place for either person.
I give this book five stars, and wish I could give it more, just for the pain that Suzette had to go through, just to write this! Thank you Suzette for taking the time to do this! God bless you!
Here are my questions for Suzette:
1. I always ask what made you write this book, as my first question. But with you, I don't need to. So I will ask you this. How long did it take you to write this book?
*Being an administrative assistant and able to type approx. 95 wpm, certainly helped. Also I was a proof reader which enriched the paragraphs as I read them.
I started in the early summer of 2013, made it my goal, got my space and aura set up – ready to type/write. It only took me maybe a month to compose
my book. In writing, my typing was the “writing” part. Guess those years of secretarial work helped !
2. How hard was it to put everything into book format, and relive all of your notes again?
*Since I had virtually no idea what I was doing, it was extremely difficult. I started at the beginning of my journals, notes, medical information, doctors recommendations,
assisted living documentation, and much more that I kept of my journey, opened it up
and quite literally started typing from the journals. I had a super BETA reader – who took out about half of what I started with due to repetitiveness of my words
and descriptions. Then, she suggested and I agreed to put into a “journal” dated - format which also is much easier to keep track of.
Brought back many painful memories as I typed certain days that I remember with such clarity. The most difficult part was toward the end as Mom continued to decline.....it was exhausting mentally many days. It took well over three weeks to complete the last chapter.
My editor took care of the book format, editing, changing, suggesting changes, etc. I was open to all of her advice and followed thru with everything she suggested I add or change.
Many a day I wondered if writing this book was worth it. But I knew it was – caregivers and family need to know what is in store for the future of their loved one and the resounding multitude of feelings affecting all involved.
3. I noticed you keep apologizing all through out your book. Why is that?
*I can honestly say, I don’t know. However, if I were writing my book now, the only one I would apologize to is my Mother – for the “powers that be” choosing her for this dreadful disease. I would not apologize to anyone else.
4. The book is very emotional, especially in several parts. How did you manage to keep your life together, and be so strong?
*My husband and son have to be credited for the love and support they gave me throughout the years of taking care of Mom. My husband is my best friend in all definitions of the word and we have now been married 31 years. He was able to look at the situation from a non-emotional point of view. There were many times he was my rock.
His concern grew as my stress level continued to mount. He lived the daily frustrations as he watched me flounder on more than one occasion. I have to credit my parent’s with my strength. I was Mom’s caregiver. Many days I had to literally dig deeply to find the energy, but Mom needed me and it had to be done.
5. If you have ever watched the TV show "Greys Anatomy" they claim Alzheimer's is hereditary. Do you know or believe that it is? If so, are you prepared?
*I have seen that as well, and we were also informed of the same many years ago at the time Mom was tested (for Alzheimer’s/Dementia) by the Neuro-psychologist at a local medical center.
I believe that currently there is a DNA sequence that can be used to determine if family members do indeed have the gene. I do believe that it is possible I myself may harbor this disease that could be apparent in the next 10 years or so. From what I understand, I have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease. I do NOT want to be tested, nor do I want to know my future as to the possibility of becoming an Alzheimer’s patient in a convalescent center.
I have a Therapy Dog International – and we visit many convalescent centers. We are able to bring the residents a few minutes of happiness remembering long lost days
I have a Therapy Dog International – and we visit many convalescent centers. We are able to bring the residents a few minutes of happiness remembering long lost days
of their past as they stroke Flower, my TDI girl. Many remember pets they had long ago and it brings a smile to my face being able to watch Flower in action.
No one can be prepared for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
**My husband and I did plan for the future with an Elder Attorney – we also had our Durable Power of Attorney’s designated, Medical Directives, our Will and other pertinent paperwork filled out as I watched and learned from Mom’s decline. I encourage ALL family members to do the same.
BE prepared for your own future.
6. How often do you torture yourself with regret in thinking you have not did enough for your Mother?
*Never. I will go to my grave knowing that I did everything in my power to take care of, love, protect and dedicate myself to Mom’s care. I took care of Mom emotionally, physically, mentally and financially. All done with integrity, honesty and love for Mom.
7. Are you planning a book tour or in a book tour with this book?
*I have had a couple of book signings and they were exciting indeed ! I am open to a book tour – but have virtually no idea what to do ! I am open to suggestions and directions to tour !
I am also available for book signings as well as speaking about my journey. It is amazing how many elderly and family members do not even know about an Elder Attorney. They also are not aware that their personal belongings cannot be merely given away just because they now reside in an assisted living facility or a convalescent center. It is important to me, that the loved ones and family members are guided to make it a smooth transition for all involved. There is so much information I can share.
8. Have you gotten ahold of everyone in this book who helped in enlightening you along the way?
*I had one family member that wanted to be interviewed. They also wanted wanted to read the draft of my book before it was published. I decided that this was to be my book, if they chose to leave an imprint on Mom’s life, then they needed to write their own book.
Yes ! I have received raving reviews from Mom’s physician, elder attorney, friends, and other family members ! It feels good.
I have several close friends and co-workers who opinions I valued highly. They were encouraging and helped me greatly along the way. The only thing they asked of me, was to “pay it forward”....which I have done.
I tried to get hold of Ms. W of Adult Protective Services. When I contacted the office, they informed me that she has retired. I will never forget her kindness.
9. Do you have any regrets- other then you weren't the one who didn't call APS?
*I do wish I had taken the time to attend caregiver support groups. They would have helped tremendously. Other than that, no regrets.
10. Do you plan on writing anymore books?
*YES! I am currently working on book # 2. Let’s just say it is the opposite end of the spectrum !
11. What are your hobbies?
*Going for long walks with hubby and dogs, photography, reading, gardening.
12. Who are your favorite Author(s)?
*Ann Rule
*Stephen King
*Truman Capote
*Vincent Bugliosi
13. Please provide any links to follow and friend you:
hhttp://articles.dailypress.com/2014-05-26/entertainment/dp-fea-hrbooks-0527-20140526_1_alzheimer-york-county-school-social-worker
C:\Users\Marla\Desktop\Alz Assoc Green-Feld Lib.htm (Alzheimers Assocation, listed in their Green-Field Library !
14. Please provide any and all links to your book and blogs:
You can also find my book on Smashwords, Alzheimer’s Association; Green-Field Library, Alzheimer’s Organization internet site, Beezeebooks, Kindle, Self-Publishing Showcase, Indie Book Reviewers, Kindle Books, The Daily Press newspaper--featured local author,
~~~~~~~~
Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes by Suzette BrownMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I seen the cover of this book, I read about it thoroughly. I liked the fact that it wasn't simply a lecture, and educational sources, and simple "this is what you need to know" book about Alzheimer's. No, it was insight. So I went to the Author and point blank asked her could I review her book, and interview her. I explained that I wanted it on my blog, because I felt it was something readers, well-- honestly everyone should know first hand. Not just hearing about Alzheimer's, but what it's truly like being the one who has it, and the one who is taking care of the person whom has it.
Then I spoke with Suzette, and she and I had a nice long talk, and opened up to one another. She agrees that people need insight, which is exactly why she wrote the book.
Enough blabbering, I suppose you want me to get to the point; right? Yes of course! On with the review already!
The kindle price of the book was perfect, under four dollars. With the insight and education you end up learning, it is well worth every cent. What made me laugh was right in the very beginning: Suzette comes across a woman escorting her own mother along. They end up briefly talking, and Suzette ends up sharing with her that she was writing a book on this kind of thing. You know, taking care of people with Alzheimer's and what it's like, and what they go through. The woman told her to finish it. It was because of this woman that Suzette did in fact finish it. If that woman also agreed that people needed insight, then there would be others!
As I read through this book, everything is true to life. Suzette kept a journal of the goings on with her Mother. A lot of it is repetitive, but that in itself is common in Alzheimer's.
I found this book very deep and soulful. I could see and feel everything, including the pain. Car accidents, annoyances in the constant phone calls, and disturbances of daily rituals. Wanting to be there for her Mother, yet wanting to take care of her own family and life at the same time.
I wish to share a quote from Suzette's book: "Alzheimer's is a cruel disease, it is a disease of the brain, it is irreversible. It is heartless and non-relenting."
Then I wish to also share what else she learned, that might be insightful to others, as it was to me: These are common signs of elderly abuse: not washing your hair or body, not eating correctly, not having clean clothes, or keeping clean. And sometimes not sleeping at all, or even on a sporadic sleeping schedule.
As I came close to the end of this book, I ended up bawling. I too, know you need to give those that are in fact dying, "permission to die" I've been there. But to read it happening to someone else. It just tore my heart out.
I was pleased to find afterwards, to find all sorts of resources for Alzheimer's at the end of this excellent and resourceful read. This book is worth every penny, and more! It's very educational, and truly gives you a first hand look at what caregivers truly go through, as well as the Alzheimer's patient as well. It's not a good place for either person.
I give this book five stars, and wish I could give it more, just for the pain that Suzette had to go through, just to write this! Thank you Suzette for taking the time to do this! God bless you!
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