Sign-In
Cart
On Forgetting
Paperback
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Sep 30 2020
Pages: 496
Weight: 2.51
Height: 1.00 Width: 8.50 Depth: 11.02
Language: English
I knew for certain, in 2009, that my mom had Alzheimer's; when my dad had been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, my mom thought he had a bad cold. Every day she would ask me what was wrong with him. I would tell her he had cancer; she would say: I didn't know that. It was clear to me that she couldn't live on her own. I brought her back to Chicago with me; she was born here, not far from the apartment where I lived.
We all are apt to forget things, no matter our age. It becomes more noticeable as we reach old age, when there are reasonable fears of dementia and Alzheimer's. I had a front row seat at an accelerated version of it. I decided to keep notes, as I took care of my mom -- as a way of understanding what was happening and as a way to share our days with my siblings: Eileen, who lives here and offers so much assistance; Maureen, my quarterly trooper; Bill; and Tim, who all live in Florida. Without their help -- physically, emotionally, and financially -- we couldn't have done this for our mom. It took all of us working in concert to make this happen.
While the disease is relentless, the days we spent were filled with love. I was guided by poetry, especially the poems, Kuan Yin, by Laura Fargas, and Hope and Love, by Jane Hirshfield; music, especially Renée Fleming; the book, Improv Wisdom, by Patricia Ryan Madson; Dr. Atul Gawande's book, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End; by friends and family; and a great physician, Dr. Rachel O'Mara. I've shared as much as I could here, hoping it may do its work and be of help to someone else.
The journal format provides a sense of the days as they unfolded. I was able to share this story in real time with my online community, The Well. I've been a member there for twenty years. Their feedback and embrace helped me immeasurably. I love them.
Also in
Aging & Elder Care
When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia
Chin, Nathaniel
Hardcover
Making the Best of What's Left: When We're Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered
Viorst, Judith
Hardcover
Independence for Life: The Complete Guide to Building Strength and Regaining Mobility Beyond 50
Harlow, Will
Paperback
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
Brooks, Arthur C.
Hardcover
Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, Revised and Updated: A Guide for People with Dementia and Those Who Care for Them
Lunde, Angela
Graff-Radford, Jonathan
Hardcover
The Miracle Morning After 50: A Proven Path to Joy, Vitality, and Purpose for Aging Adults
Elrod, Hal
Clark, Dwayne J.
Paperback
The Dementia Care Toolkit: Real Help for Challenging Behaviors and Caregiving Overwhelm
Edmonds, Natali
Paperback
Longevity Guidebook: How to Slow, Stop, and Reverse Aging - and NOT Die from Something Stupid
Diamandis, Peter H.
Hardcover
Thriving Beyond Fifty (Expanded Edition): 111 Natural Strategies to Restore Your Mobility, Avoid Surgery and Stay Off Pain Pills for Good
Harlow, Will, Msc McSp
Paperback
Stress-Free Potty Training: A Commonsense Guide to Finding the Right Approach for Your Child
Au, Sara
Stavinoha Ph. D., Peter
Paperback
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Care for the Caregiver: 101 Stories of Advice and Humor for Dementia Care
Newmark, Amy
Paperback
Forget Me Not: The #1 Alzheimer's and Dementia Guide for Professional and Family Caregivers
Kostiw, Debra
Paperback
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life
Paxton, Matt
Paperback
Aging Out: An Exploration of Caregiving, Corporations, and How Americans Grow Old (Large Print Edition)
Schiller, Lucy
Hardcover
It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond
Cameron, Julia
Lively, Emma
Paperback
When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative
Blight, Aaron
Paperback
How to Retire Happy, Fourth Edition: The 12 Most Important Decisions You Must Make Before You Retire
Hinden, Stan
Paperback
Information My Family Needs to Know Organizer: Legacy Planner for Personal, Medical & Financial Affairs 4 Document Pockets Spiral Bound Gift for Adult
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
The Essential Questions: Interview Your Family to Uncover Stories and Bridge Generations
Keating, Elizabeth, PH. D.
Hardcover
Aba/AARP Checklist for My Family: A Guide to My History, Financial Plans, and Final Wishes, Second Edition
Hurme, Sally Balch
Paperback
Retirement and Its Discontents: Why We Won't Stop Working, Even If We Can
Silver, Michelle Pannor
Paperback
Through the Years: More Activities for Memory-Challenged Adults and Their Caregivers
Green, Cynthia R.
Beloff, Joan
Paperback
The Astonishing Lives of Older Women: How to Create Pleasure Over Peril in Peak Longevity
Welsh, Moira
Paperback
My Last Gift: An Essential End-Of-Life Planner: Important Guidance for You and Your Loved Ones
Boyer, Kim
Hardcover
The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself
Abbit, Linda
Paperback
The Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity
High, Bill
Green, David
Hardcover
21 Life Lessons For Teenage Boys: 21 Life Lessons For Teenage Boys: The Most Important Life Lessons I wish I knew When I was a Teen.
Abboud, James
Welch, Ali
Paperback
Travelers to Unimaginable Lands: Stories of Dementia, the Caregiver, and the Human Brain
Kiper, Dasha
Paperback
Driving Miss Norma: An Inspirational Story about What Really Matters at the End of Life
Bauerschmidt, Tim
Liddle, Ramie
Paperback
Forget Me Not: The #1 Alzheimer's and Dementia Guide for Professional and Family Caregivers
Kostiw, Debra
Hardcover
Strength Training for Seniors: Increase Your Balance, Stability, and Stamina to Rewind the Aging Process
Waehner, Paige
Paperback
The Joy of Chair Yoga for Seniors and Beginners: Lose Weight, Move Freely, Feel More Energetic, and Have Some Laughs!
Dolson, Heather
Paperback
The Sage's Tao Te Ching, 25th Anniversary Edition: Ancient Advice for the Second Half of Life
Martin, William
Paperback
The Complete Family Guide to Dementia: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself
Harrison, Thomas F.
Forester, Brent P.
Paperback
Unconditional Love: A Guide to Navigating the Joys and Challenges of Being a Grandparent Today
Isay, Jane
Paperback
The Joy of Not Working: A Book for the Retired, Unemployed and Overworked
Zelinski, Ernie J.
Paperback
Diagnosis Dementia: Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management
Smith, Nicole J.
Paperback
Crazy Grandma 2 Grayscale Coloring Book for Adults: Portrait Coloring Book Grandma goes crazy Grandma funny Coloring Book
Publishing, Monsoon
Paperback
The Caregiver's Companion: Caring for Your Loved One Medically, Financially and Emotionally While Caring for Yourself
Brent, Carolyn A.
Paperback
I hear you: Talking and listening to people with Alzheimer's (and other dementias)
Mahakian, Jane
Kuhn, Alyson
Paperback
Information My Family Needs to Know (Folder - Simple 1-2-3 Kit)
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
North American Birds Picture Book: Dementia Activities for Seniors (30 Premium Pictures on 70lb Paper With Names) (Large Print Edition)
Melgren, Jacqueline
Paperback
The Youngest Bee: A Louisiana Story of Sisterhood, Strength, and Alzheimer's
Evans, Virginia
Paperback
Longevity Guidebook: How to Slow, Stop, and Reverse Aging - and NOT Die from Something Stupid
Diamandis, Peter H.
Paperback
Reminiscing 1960s America: Memory Lane Picture Book For Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer's patients. (Large Print Edition)
Melgren, Jacqueline
Paperback
Is It Alzheimer's?: 101 Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions about Memory Loss and Dementia
Rabins, Peter V.
Hardcover
Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults
Buchanan, Missy
Paperback
The Healing of a Caregiver: The Road to Acceptance and Recovery From the Loss of a Loved One
Palmer, Patrick
Paperback
Is It Alzheimer's?: 101 Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions about Memory Loss and Dementia
Rabins, Peter V.
Paperback
The Sage's Tao Te Ching, 20th Anniversary Edition: Ancient Advice for the Second Half of Life
Martin, William
Paperback
How to Care for Aging Parents: A One-Stop Resource for All Your Medical, Financial, Housing, and Emotional Issues
Morris, Virginia
Paperback
What's Next in Your Life?: A Spiritual Guide to Retirement and Purposeful Aging
Briggs, James I.
Paperback
Mildred's Mindset: Wisdom from a Woman Centenarian
Kirschenbaum, Mildred
Kirschenbaum, Gayle
Paperback
Farm Life: a Picture Book In Large Print For Adults And Seniors (Large Print Edition)
Thornton, Nevada
Paperback
Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?: Plan Now to Safeguard Your Health and Happiness in Old Age
Loverde, Joy
Paperback
Grandma Tell me your Story: A Guided Keepsake Journal for your Grandmother to share her Life & her Memories
Vida, Ô. Linda
Rossi, Erika
Paperback
Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One's Illness Without Losing Yourself
Chiaramonte, Delia
Paperback
Heartwarming Short Stories for Seniors: Relaxing and Uplifting Short Stories for Seniors - Large Print Edition
Vance, Owen R.
Studio, Orvian
Paperback
With Love: A Practical Guide to Caring for Aging Parents Through the End of Life
Hofer, Shari
Kazmi, Shabnam
Paperback
A View from Life's Edge: Discovering What Really Matters with Older Women Across the Globe
Dempsey, Corinne G.
Paperback
Day to Day Caregiving for Dementia: A Mayo Clinic Guide for Offering Care and Support
Lunde, Angela M.
Paperback
The Wisdom of Menopause (4th Edition): Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change
Northrup, Christiane
Paperback
WHAT THE HELL DO I DO NOW? A Professionals' Guide to a Meaningful Retirement
White, R. Dean
Paperback
When Your Aging Parent Needs Help: A Geriatrician's Step-by-Step Guide to Memory Loss, Resistance, Safety Worries, & More
Kernisan, Leslie
Scott, Paula Spencer
Paperback
Eldercare 101: A Practical Guide to Later Life Planning, Care, and Wellbeing
Saavedra, Mary Jo
Paperback
AARP the Other Talk: A Guide to Talking with Your Adult Children about the Rest of Your Life
Prosch, Tim
Paperback
Love, Dignity, and Parkinson's: from Care Partner to Caregiver (Large Print Edition)
Pease, Terri
Paperback
Inheritance Heists: Reclaim Your Family's Legacy and Fight Back Against Financial Predators
Hackard, Michael
Paperback
Age In Place At Home: Adapting The Home Environment For All Generations
Traut Caps, David L.
Paperback
The Wall Street Journal. Complete Retirement Guidebook: How to Plan It, Live It and Enjoy It
Ruffenach, Glenn
Greene, Kelly
Paperback
Older & Wiser: Stories of Inspiration, Humor, and Wisdom about Life at a Certain Age (Large Print Edition)
Newmark, Amy
Canfield, Jack
Hansen, Mark Victor
Paperback
Beyond Bedrails and Bingo: Myths, Truths, and the Future of America's Nursing Homes
Devereaux, Dave
Paperback
Chasing Independence: Growing Old in the Shadow of an American Ideal
Altomonte, Guillermina
Paperback
The Happy Retirement Bucket List Guidebook: Create the Life You Love, Stay Active and Engaged, Discover New Passions and Joys
Press, Sage Lifestyle
Hardcover