Blurb:
I Will Never Forget is
the incredible true story of the author’s talented mother’s poignant
and often humorous journey through the mystifying haze of Dementia.
Through superb stories of Elaine’s childhood, from her controversial
name, tales of smoking’ dragons and the feisty teenage years, her mother
Betty Ward’s wonderful character is revealed.
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 appreciate the extent of Betty’s mental
decline. Her 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 journey. She witnesses
Betty’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.
Chapter 28: The Ugly Truth:
But as the adult, the nebulous abyss of being a parent to your parent is a delicate responsibility. Balancing respect and autonomy and naturally expecting them to be accurate when they tell you, I’ll be fine is a daunting challenge. Somewhere deep down, you know it’s not true. They are no longer fine.
But as the adult, the nebulous abyss of being a parent to your parent is a delicate responsibility. Balancing respect and autonomy and naturally expecting them to be accurate when they tell you, I’ll be fine is a daunting challenge. Somewhere deep down, you know it’s not true. They are no longer fine.
Connect With The Author:
Elaine Pereira retired as a school
Occupational Therapist with more than 30 years experience in pediatrics
and a decade in adult home care. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from
Wayne State University in OT and her Master’s in Liberal Arts. Pereira
maintains her OT licensure and holds Certifications as a Dementia
Caregiver and Practitioner. She and her husband Joseph live in
southeastern Michigan with their two big dogs Bailey and Maddee and
Snoopy the cat. Together they have five adult children, Elaine’s twin
daughters and Joe’s three sons and five grandchildren.
I Will Never Forget-A Daughter’s Story of Her Mother’s Arduous and Humorous Journey Through Dementia is
Elaine’s first book, a memoir in tribute to her amazingly talented
mother. Pereira writes for MariaShriver.com, Alzheimer’s Reading Room,
Endear For Alzheimer’s and a variety of guest blog posts. She has been
featured in four television spots, Fox 2 Detroit, Living Dayton and Fox
45 Dayton and The Best of Aging magazine, April 2013 edition.
Her hobbies include golf, sewing, hand-craft
projects and gardening. She has traveled extensively throughout the
United States and world wide including Europe; Madeira, Portugal;
Australia; Seoul and Hong Kong.
Now she networks extensively to advance Alzheimer’s awareness and donates from each book sold to Alzheimer’s research.
Author Links:
Giveaway:
Win one of thirty print copies of I Will Never Forget. Entry is restricted to the USA! Enter through Goodreads.
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