One Family's Journey Through Alzheimer's

by Mary B. Walsh

Book Overview

Mary B. Walsh and her husband made a promise to his grandmother that she would never be placed in a nursing home. After the family moved to Pennsylvania, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0842340955
• ISBN13: 9780842340953
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Length: 204 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

So Much in Common

Going through having a loved one with Alzheimer's is enough, but that's not all that happens to most of us during that time; there are many other family concerns, and so many stories to tell. Mary Walsh tells them all in this wonderful book that will make you laugh at times and cry at others. Mary's husband's grandmother and her Alzheimer's is the focus of this book, and it is around this that most of both the funny and tearful stories revolve. Mary and her family cared for "Gram" during the years I was with my mother as her caregiver. "Gram" died in a nursing home in May 1996, in the month following my mother's death, and there are many similarities. Unlike me, however, but probably like many of you, Mary had the concerns of four generations of family members who were surrounding here. If you are a caregiver or former caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's, I'm sure that you, too, will find much in common with this family's story. Mary presents it delightfully, in a very readable manner which includes conversation, journal entries, and her poems. Through all the tears and the laughter, the family's strong faith shines through, and if you are a caregiver, you will be encouraged through reading this book, and you will know that you, too, can make it.

This book is a must...

As I started this book, I did not expect to be so drawn into it. It is a quick read-mostly because you are so drawn into the life of this family that you won't want to put it down. It not only deals with a family member with Alzheimer's, it deals with every member of the family, and into Mrs. Walsh's extended family as well. As I finished this book, I felt I knew the Walsh family personally! As a person in the medical field, I encouarge EVERY healthcare provider to read it to get a firsthand look a what the family and patient go through...then let it guide you be a more compassionate person. As a child of aging parents, it is a must! It gives such insight and respect into an older person's world. As a spouse it gives such encouragement that if the Walsh's marriage could withstand years of testing, there is hope that marriages can survive trials and tribulations in every day life. As a child of God it gives such a reaffirmation of God's abundent love and grace to those that will trust in Him. Bravo, Mrs. Walsh, I look forward to your next novel!

A True Gem

Crawling into bed at midnight, I thought to at least begin the first chapter of this book. After several hours of crying and laughing, while trying not to wake my husband, I finally turned out the light at 3 in the morning. Who would have thought a book about Alzheimer's would be so fascinating? That's because it's more than what it seems. A poignant story of not just the subject, Gramma, but also what takes place all around her as a family seeks to honor a promise, care for an ailing, confused loved one all the while raising a family and dealing with their fair share of life's trials. Told with depth, emotion and much humor! A good book for anyone who needs to know that God is in control no matter what! I highly recommend this book! Thank you, Mary Walsh, for your willingness to let us into your life....I look forward to your next book!

Highly recommended

On first opening this book I intended only to glance at the contents page and last chapter (my usual procedure). An hour and a half later, I had to feed my family but came right back. Around 1 am I nodded off -- near the end -- and finished it the next evening.Mary Walsh a gifted story teller. This isn't an action adventure but she kept me turning pages. Dealing with Grandma's Alzheimer's dominated all the events of her family's life for six years. The Walshes are devout Christians and the importance of their faith during this journey is evident.This book is written in a simple, warm and engaging style and I highly recommend it. If you've lived with a loved one's Alzheimer's, you'll smile often in recognition. If you know little about dementia, you'll wonder if their situation was typical. It was. If you're dealing with Alzheimer's now, you'll find here an encouraging friend.