Dan Pike, lawyer extraordinaire, or so he thought until the law firm he was working for booted him out. Not long after, he was approached by Maria in a bar regarding a new job opportunity. Hesitantly, he accepted a position with Mr. K at The Last Chance Law Firm. Join Dan and his associates as they pursue a simple adoption case ... or is it as simple as they first thought?
Excellent read!
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter Book Review
Fans of Will Trent will be taken in by this story. Join Sara, Will's girlfriend, as she tries to escape her captors - from what? What was Michelle Spivey taken for? What was Dash trying to accomplish? The outcome … you'll have to read the book to find out!
Poison, death, kidnapping, FBI, GBI … this book has it all.
I was fortunate enough to win an ARC copy through Goodreads.
Poison, death, kidnapping, FBI, GBI … this book has it all.
I was fortunate enough to win an ARC copy through Goodreads.
Sold On A Monday by Kristina McMorris Book Review
A novel set back in the 1930s. A time when folks thought 60 dollars a week was good money. A time when unwed mothers had noses turned up at them. A time when an apparently sickly mother would do what she needed to do to tend her children … even, perhaps, sell them. Join Ellis and Lily as they attempt to undo a mistake.
This is not my typical genre to read, but I enjoyed this book very much.
This is not my typical genre to read, but I enjoyed this book very much.
The Survivors Club by Lisa Gardner Book Review
I now remember why I enjoy Lisa Gardner's writing. This book could potentially be a trigger for some rape victims, yet it can also be a story of hope … hope that the police assigned to cases are relentless in their pursuit of catching the bad guy. There are many twists and turns worked into this tale that will keep you guessing!
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Green Fees by Manning Wolfe Book Review
I personally feel this is the best out of this 3-book series. From the very first sentence in the prologue, this book just keeps giving.
Join Merit and her team as her business grows. She has a budding romance (or does she?), and she escapes the clutches of a couple of shady characters. There are a couple of other side stories thrown in along with twists and turns.
I'm sure you'll enjoy this one!
Join Merit and her team as her business grows. She has a budding romance (or does she?), and she escapes the clutches of a couple of shady characters. There are a couple of other side stories thrown in along with twists and turns.
I'm sure you'll enjoy this one!
Music Notes by Manning Wolfe Book Review
Book 1 in this series, Dollar Signs, introduced us to the characters to include Merit Bridges (lawyer) and her office staff (Betty, Val, Mai) along with her PI, Ag Malone.
Book 2, Music Notes, takes us on the adventure of Merit being cyberbullied … to the point of her losing clients and having to give up working with a charity she believes in. Does she figure out who is behind her torment?
Book 2, Music Notes, takes us on the adventure of Merit being cyberbullied … to the point of her losing clients and having to give up working with a charity she believes in. Does she figure out who is behind her torment?
Dollar Signs by Manning Wolfe Book Review
I have to admit, I had many things on my mind and a TV blaring in the background when I started this book. Once I settled my mind, with quiet and no TV, I delved in for this read.
This is a great introduction to Ms. Wolfe's characters, filled with a lot of legalese. You'll find yourself learning a lot about property issues (in the State of Texas), while you enjoy some of the twists and turns to the final outcome. There may even be a bit of a brewing romance.
This is a great introduction to Ms. Wolfe's characters, filled with a lot of legalese. You'll find yourself learning a lot about property issues (in the State of Texas), while you enjoy some of the twists and turns to the final outcome. There may even be a bit of a brewing romance.
Sparrows and Sacrifice by Nellie K. Neves Book Review
This is the most intense book of Mrs. Neves' Lindy Johnson PI series. I found myself "pulled" into the story during the camping scene with Lindy and Ryder. Eden's Haven is a rough place. Did Lindy survive? Did Lindy and Ryder make it out of Eden's Haven?
This is a series that definitely needs to be read in order, not only to "meet" the characters but to understand the story line.
Well done, Mrs. Neves!
Proofed/beta read for Mrs. Neves.
This is a series that definitely needs to be read in order, not only to "meet" the characters but to understand the story line.
Well done, Mrs. Neves!
Proofed/beta read for Mrs. Neves.
Lost and Found by Amy Shojai Book Review
Join September as she goes on a quest to locate her missing sister, April, and her son, Steven, along with his service dog, Shadow. This book begins to "heat up" when April is found in an ice machine at a hotel. How did she get there and were Steven and Shadow found? Read the book to find out!
Shaking the Tree by Mike Dononhue Book Review
If you like a book that is full of imagery - this is the book for you!
Bad guys.
Bad cops.
Good guys.
Good cops.
Drugs.
Murder.
Money.
A steel briefcase.
This book has it all.
Give it a read!
Proofed for Mr. Donohue, July 2019.
Bad guys.
Bad cops.
Good guys.
Good cops.
Drugs.
Murder.
Money.
A steel briefcase.
This book has it all.
Give it a read!
Proofed for Mr. Donohue, July 2019.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Once a Liar by A.F. Brady Book Review
This is a book that was recommended to me by my sister-in-law. I am glad she did!
If you like psychological thrillers as much as I do, you are sure to enjoy this tale. How the character, Peter, kept up with all his lies throughout his life I will never know ... this is truly a tale of deceit, a tale of trying to escape a past only to find that years later it will catch up with you. There are quite a few twists and turns in this book that Mrs. Brady ties up rather neatly in the end. I have to say ... I was shocked at the guilty party in this book. Turned out to be someone I sure wasn't expecting!
Well done, Mrs. Brady, well done!
If you like psychological thrillers as much as I do, you are sure to enjoy this tale. How the character, Peter, kept up with all his lies throughout his life I will never know ... this is truly a tale of deceit, a tale of trying to escape a past only to find that years later it will catch up with you. There are quite a few twists and turns in this book that Mrs. Brady ties up rather neatly in the end. I have to say ... I was shocked at the guilty party in this book. Turned out to be someone I sure wasn't expecting!
Well done, Mrs. Brady, well done!
Thursday, June 13, 2019
The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff Book Review
The title of this novel, I think, is misleading. It would lead one to believe it is about some of the horrificness of World War II. It's not! While this is not my typical genre to read, I enjoyed reading about Noa and Astrid and their circus adventures during World War II. It makes you realize the hardships that had to be dealt with during that time period.
Give it a read!
Give it a read!
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center Book Review
An ARC I received through one give away or another; I can't remember which. It's always good to take a chance on give aways … you may just get a book!
Though the title is a bit misleading, this is a very well-written tale … it is what I would call a "clean" romance as well as a book of hope and forgiveness, second chances. A very light read that you are sure to enjoy … one full of humor. I enjoyed this book!
#thingsyousavebook #tysiaf
Though the title is a bit misleading, this is a very well-written tale … it is what I would call a "clean" romance as well as a book of hope and forgiveness, second chances. A very light read that you are sure to enjoy … one full of humor. I enjoyed this book!
#thingsyousavebook #tysiaf
Ellie and the Harpmaker by Hazel Prior Book Review
"Ellie and the Harpmaker" is Hazel Prior's debut novel.
I received an ARC of this novel via Goodreads.
This tale is set in Exmoor. I'm sure you will enjoy this tale of Ellie (The Exmoor Housewife) who learned to appreciate harps when, through an unsuspecting friendship, she met Dan (The Exmoor Harpmaker). A very light read with some unexpected outcomes!
Give it a read!
I received an ARC of this novel via Goodreads.
This tale is set in Exmoor. I'm sure you will enjoy this tale of Ellie (The Exmoor Housewife) who learned to appreciate harps when, through an unsuspecting friendship, she met Dan (The Exmoor Harpmaker). A very light read with some unexpected outcomes!
Give it a read!
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey Book Review
I bought this book because I saw it was about a lady with dementia. Having lost my mother-in-law to Alzheimer's, this grabbed my attention. It is a sad comment on society that we tend not to believe a person with dementia. Maud had it in her head that her friend, Elizabeth, was missing ("stuck on repeat" as we sometimes call it). I cannot even begin to imagine what a person with dementia goes through - all the confusion and jumbled thoughts have to be exhausting.
Elizabeth is Missing captures some of Maud's confusion and jumbled thoughts quite well. It is hard to explain dementia and its effects if you have never experienced a loved one (or anyone else) with this dreadful disease.
Elizabeth is Missing captures some of Maud's confusion and jumbled thoughts quite well. It is hard to explain dementia and its effects if you have never experienced a loved one (or anyone else) with this dreadful disease.
A Criminal Defense by William L. Myers, Jr. Book Review
This is the first book for Mr. Myers. (I read his third book, A Killer's Alibi, first.)
A Criminal Defense certainly had my attention. I finished this book in 2 days, having read over 200 pages on day 1. In order to understand the reference in A Killer's Alibi to the Hanson case, I encourage you to read A Criminal Defense first. You'll be surprised at how "tidy" Mr. Myers closes this case with his writing style. A Criminal Defense keeps you guessing until the story gets tied together in the end.
I highly recommend you add Mr. Myers to your author list.
A Criminal Defense certainly had my attention. I finished this book in 2 days, having read over 200 pages on day 1. In order to understand the reference in A Killer's Alibi to the Hanson case, I encourage you to read A Criminal Defense first. You'll be surprised at how "tidy" Mr. Myers closes this case with his writing style. A Criminal Defense keeps you guessing until the story gets tied together in the end.
I highly recommend you add Mr. Myers to your author list.
HER by Britney King Book Review
I actually bought this book to see what all the hype was about. It had my attention insofar as I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. I was disappointed with the ending, though I am not sure what I was expecting. One word, I think, that is missing from the back jacket cover is 'manipulation,' which you will understand (after having read this book) if someone has ever quietly manipulated you and you were not aware of it. There are some interesting twists and turns in this book.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
A Nearly Normal Family by M.T. Edvardsson Book Review
I signed up to be an ARC reader through Celadon books a while back. I received my first book through this program, A Nearly Normal Family.
This book is extremely well written ... written in the voice of three different people. The story line is tied neatly together by the end. Just when you think you have figured out who did it, you'll find that you were wrong.
This is a legal thriller that you may find hard to put down. I highly encourage you to read this book which is due out June 25, 2019, you won't be disappointed!
#ANearlyNormalFamily @CeladonBooks
This book is extremely well written ... written in the voice of three different people. The story line is tied neatly together by the end. Just when you think you have figured out who did it, you'll find that you were wrong.
This is a legal thriller that you may find hard to put down. I highly encourage you to read this book which is due out June 25, 2019, you won't be disappointed!
#ANearlyNormalFamily @CeladonBooks
Monday, April 29, 2019
A Killer's Alibi by William L. Myers, Jr. Book Review
A very well-written legal thriller by an attorney with 30 years' experience. This novel actually tells two stories in one - both intricately woven together with a few smaller stories thrown in. There are a couple of twists and turns throughout that you won't be expecting. Be sure to add Mr. Myers to your reading list!
You can find Mr. Myers here at his web site http://www.williamlmyersjr.com/?fbclid=IwAR1bdKXLhVsTiDAxwpwFWjLsiNhRH05R_-RWxJye8FI4bZ9M4Bqc5W9Ygt4
His Facebook page is here https://www.facebook.com/williamlmyersjr/
Write on, Mr. Myers, write on.
You can find Mr. Myers here at his web site http://www.williamlmyersjr.com/?fbclid=IwAR1bdKXLhVsTiDAxwpwFWjLsiNhRH05R_-RWxJye8FI4bZ9M4Bqc5W9Ygt4
His Facebook page is here https://www.facebook.com/williamlmyersjr/
Write on, Mr. Myers, write on.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Everything to Lose by Danielle Girard Book Review
This is the fifth book in Mrs. Girard's Rookie Club series.
Another outstanding book by Mrs. Girard! The characters are consistent throughout (across all of her books). There are many twists and turns. I found myself wondering who the "bad guy" was. This book is so well written, I believe, that even the most discriminating of readers won't be able to figure out who the "bad guy" is.
If you happen to read this book, do feel free to share if you figure out who the "bad guy" is before the end.
I beta/proofread for Mrs. Girard.
Another outstanding book by Mrs. Girard! The characters are consistent throughout (across all of her books). There are many twists and turns. I found myself wondering who the "bad guy" was. This book is so well written, I believe, that even the most discriminating of readers won't be able to figure out who the "bad guy" is.
If you happen to read this book, do feel free to share if you figure out who the "bad guy" is before the end.
I beta/proofread for Mrs. Girard.
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Expose by Danielle Girard Book Review
Expose is the third book in the Schwartzman Series by Danielle Girard.
Expose is full of what you (and I) have come to expect from Mrs. Girard. Her characters are consistent throughout the Schwartzman Series. There are plenty of twists and turns as Anna and Hal solve cases throughout Expose. Mrs. Girard combines murder, case solving, and even a bit of romance all in such a way that it leaves you wanting to read her next book … Expire, due out this summer. I am anticipating a good read in that one!
You can find Mrs. Girard on her web site located here https://www.daniellegirard.com/?fbclid=IwAR0_AdaJ1KvhcMt313AvgYlhQbjxGyYLRCbPvSB6yj8mtkwcAyQ32PpF3j4 and her Facebook page located here https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleGirard/
Expose is full of what you (and I) have come to expect from Mrs. Girard. Her characters are consistent throughout the Schwartzman Series. There are plenty of twists and turns as Anna and Hal solve cases throughout Expose. Mrs. Girard combines murder, case solving, and even a bit of romance all in such a way that it leaves you wanting to read her next book … Expire, due out this summer. I am anticipating a good read in that one!
You can find Mrs. Girard on her web site located here https://www.daniellegirard.com/?fbclid=IwAR0_AdaJ1KvhcMt313AvgYlhQbjxGyYLRCbPvSB6yj8mtkwcAyQ32PpF3j4 and her Facebook page located here https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleGirard/
Monday, April 8, 2019
Interference by Danielle Girard Book Review
Interference is the fourth book in Mrs. Girard's The Rookie Club series. I have not read the first three in this series, but I am certain they are just as good.
In Interference, Mei Ling has recently transferred to the San Francisco Police Department. She is put in charge of the computer forensic department and her teammates harbor a bit of resentment toward her. She gets to work with familiar characters from the Dr. Schwartzman Series, Hal Harris and Hailey Wyatt. This book is so well written that you will not be able to figure out who the character J.T. is until the very end. There was a point in this story that I thought I had figured out who J.T. was ... I was wrong.
If you read this book and are able to guess correctly who J.T. is, I'd like to know!
You can find Mrs. Girard on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleGirard/ and her web site at https://www.daniellegirard.com/?fbclid=IwAR0xSfVFXGvV0e2-ZRjalkLenzs8zAORYucuQnfpDrZHSm0aL_KVmKGN8LI
I had the opportunity to proofread Interference for Mrs. Girard.
In Interference, Mei Ling has recently transferred to the San Francisco Police Department. She is put in charge of the computer forensic department and her teammates harbor a bit of resentment toward her. She gets to work with familiar characters from the Dr. Schwartzman Series, Hal Harris and Hailey Wyatt. This book is so well written that you will not be able to figure out who the character J.T. is until the very end. There was a point in this story that I thought I had figured out who J.T. was ... I was wrong.
If you read this book and are able to guess correctly who J.T. is, I'd like to know!
You can find Mrs. Girard on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleGirard/ and her web site at https://www.daniellegirard.com/?fbclid=IwAR0xSfVFXGvV0e2-ZRjalkLenzs8zAORYucuQnfpDrZHSm0aL_KVmKGN8LI
I had the opportunity to proofread Interference for Mrs. Girard.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Excise by Danielle Girard Book Review
Excise is book two in the Dr. Schwartzman Series. If you have not read Exhume, I highly recommend you do, otherwise Excise won't make any sense to you.
SPOILER ALERT!
In Excise, we pick up where we left off in Exhume. Dr. Schwartzman has had her surgery and has returned to work as the medical examiner. Four unexplained, yet seemingly connected deaths occur. Strangely enough, these deaths all appear to be related to the chemotherapy drug, Adriamycin, on some level. Who had access to the pharmacy to get this drug? Who would benefit from these deaths? Is Spencer (Dr. Schwartzman's currently incarcerated husband, soon to be ex) to blame, even from behind his cell? Join Hal Harris, San Francisco police inspector, and Dr. Anna Schwartzman as they pursue the killer and a few other twists and turns along the way.
Looking forward to the third book in this series, Exposed, followed by the fourth to be released in July 2019, Expire.
Well done, Mrs. Girard, well done!
SPOILER ALERT!
In Excise, we pick up where we left off in Exhume. Dr. Schwartzman has had her surgery and has returned to work as the medical examiner. Four unexplained, yet seemingly connected deaths occur. Strangely enough, these deaths all appear to be related to the chemotherapy drug, Adriamycin, on some level. Who had access to the pharmacy to get this drug? Who would benefit from these deaths? Is Spencer (Dr. Schwartzman's currently incarcerated husband, soon to be ex) to blame, even from behind his cell? Join Hal Harris, San Francisco police inspector, and Dr. Anna Schwartzman as they pursue the killer and a few other twists and turns along the way.
Looking forward to the third book in this series, Exposed, followed by the fourth to be released in July 2019, Expire.
Well done, Mrs. Girard, well done!
Monday, March 25, 2019
Pre-Approved Identity Theft by Nellie K. Neves Book Review
SPOILER ALERT!
Pre-Approved Identity Theft is the newest release from Mrs. Neves, a "clean romance novel" as Mrs. Neves terms it.
Harper starts out her adventure by jumping out the window to escape a marriage she doesn't want any part of. She meets Indigo and together they devise a plan to switch identities, Harper (Max) to get away from the expectations placed upon her and Indigo to be able to take a trip she made plans for but was not performing well at work so was denied the time off. Harper (as Max) totally transforms Indigo's performance at work ... and she meets Declan. Max finds that Declan is the man she has dreamed of and more and also "falls in love" with his little girl. What happens in a few weeks' time when Indigo returns to reclaim her own life? How can she possibly tell Declan the truth? You won't expect the twist that is woven into this sweet love story.
I had the privilege of beta/proofreading this book for Mrs. Neves. This book demonstrates the versatility of Mrs. Neves as an author.
You can find Mrs. Neves on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Nellienevesauthor/ and her website here https://www.nellieknevesauthor.com/
Pre-Approved Identity Theft is the newest release from Mrs. Neves, a "clean romance novel" as Mrs. Neves terms it.
Harper starts out her adventure by jumping out the window to escape a marriage she doesn't want any part of. She meets Indigo and together they devise a plan to switch identities, Harper (Max) to get away from the expectations placed upon her and Indigo to be able to take a trip she made plans for but was not performing well at work so was denied the time off. Harper (as Max) totally transforms Indigo's performance at work ... and she meets Declan. Max finds that Declan is the man she has dreamed of and more and also "falls in love" with his little girl. What happens in a few weeks' time when Indigo returns to reclaim her own life? How can she possibly tell Declan the truth? You won't expect the twist that is woven into this sweet love story.
I had the privilege of beta/proofreading this book for Mrs. Neves. This book demonstrates the versatility of Mrs. Neves as an author.
You can find Mrs. Neves on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Nellienevesauthor/ and her website here https://www.nellieknevesauthor.com/
Exhume by Danielle Girard Book Review
SPOILER ALERT!
When I first started reading Exhume, I knew immediately it would be a worthwhile read. It did not disappoint.
Annabelle Schwartzman (Anna to her friends and colleagues; Bella to her estranged husband, Spencer) leaves South Carolina to escape Spencer, to get a fresh start in San Francisco. She finds work as the medical examiner in San Francisco and is fortunate enough to work with Hal and Hailey of the San Francisco Police Department. A suspicious murder happens, leading Anna to believe that Spencer is behind it. She opens up her painful secrets to Hal and Hailey. Do they believe her, that Spencer is behind the murder? Circumstances lead Anna to travel back to South Carolina, the place she least wants to be, where two apparent related murders have occurred, one being her Aunt Ava. Anna is devising a plan to catch Spencer and get him to confess. The question is ... did her plan succeed?
Next up, book two in the series, Excise.
Well done, Ms. Girard, well done! I am looking forward to Excise and Expose, to be followed by the fourth book in this series Expire.
You can find Ms. Girard here https://www.daniellegirard.com/ and on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleGirard/
When I first started reading Exhume, I knew immediately it would be a worthwhile read. It did not disappoint.
Annabelle Schwartzman (Anna to her friends and colleagues; Bella to her estranged husband, Spencer) leaves South Carolina to escape Spencer, to get a fresh start in San Francisco. She finds work as the medical examiner in San Francisco and is fortunate enough to work with Hal and Hailey of the San Francisco Police Department. A suspicious murder happens, leading Anna to believe that Spencer is behind it. She opens up her painful secrets to Hal and Hailey. Do they believe her, that Spencer is behind the murder? Circumstances lead Anna to travel back to South Carolina, the place she least wants to be, where two apparent related murders have occurred, one being her Aunt Ava. Anna is devising a plan to catch Spencer and get him to confess. The question is ... did her plan succeed?
Next up, book two in the series, Excise.
Well done, Ms. Girard, well done! I am looking forward to Excise and Expose, to be followed by the fourth book in this series Expire.
You can find Ms. Girard here https://www.daniellegirard.com/ and on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleGirard/
Monday, March 18, 2019
Cape May by Chip Creek Book Review
SPOILER ALERT!
The setting is Cape May, New Jersey, back in 1957. Henry and Effie have just graduated high school and gotten married. They go to Cape May for their honeymoon as Effie's uncle, at her mother's persuading, let them stay at his cottage. They discover each other sexually for the first time, shy at first. Their shyness didn't last long. Enter Clara and Max ... Clara is a long-ago friend of Effie's cousin, Holly. The four of these characters get up to a lot of no good in a time when I suspect what they did was unacceptable and, fortunately, for the most part, happened behind closed doors. Enter Alma, Max's "charge." Ultimately, Henry and Alma have an intense sexual affair and fall in love. Near the end, Effie finds out about their affair. Does Effie stay with Henry or kick him to the curb? Do Henry and Effie have a future together? What happens to Clara? To Max? To Alma?
While this genre of book is not what I would typically read, I gave it a shot as I received an ARC (Advance Reading Copy). I suspect if you are into books from that time period you would find this an entertaining tale of discovering one's sexuality and some other shenanigans. For me, not so much. I'm more of a legal/crime kinda girl.
The setting is Cape May, New Jersey, back in 1957. Henry and Effie have just graduated high school and gotten married. They go to Cape May for their honeymoon as Effie's uncle, at her mother's persuading, let them stay at his cottage. They discover each other sexually for the first time, shy at first. Their shyness didn't last long. Enter Clara and Max ... Clara is a long-ago friend of Effie's cousin, Holly. The four of these characters get up to a lot of no good in a time when I suspect what they did was unacceptable and, fortunately, for the most part, happened behind closed doors. Enter Alma, Max's "charge." Ultimately, Henry and Alma have an intense sexual affair and fall in love. Near the end, Effie finds out about their affair. Does Effie stay with Henry or kick him to the curb? Do Henry and Effie have a future together? What happens to Clara? To Max? To Alma?
While this genre of book is not what I would typically read, I gave it a shot as I received an ARC (Advance Reading Copy). I suspect if you are into books from that time period you would find this an entertaining tale of discovering one's sexuality and some other shenanigans. For me, not so much. I'm more of a legal/crime kinda girl.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Falcon by Nellie K. Neves Book Review
SPOILER ALERT!
In order to "get" Falcon, I highly recommend you read Nightwatch first. In Nightwatch, you will be introduced to Emma and Adam along with Sentry 6.
In Falcon, we meet Sienna and the rest of Sentry 6 who are agents Adam (Falcon) worked with on previous assignments. Roach and Rat were abducted because Archimedes and his band of bad guys thought they were developing some sort of superior technology, all contained within a ring. Abducting Roach and Rat was also a way for Archimedes to get close to Adam. Sentry 6 rescues Roach. Do they find Rat? What happened to Archimedes? Does Adam reconcile his feelings of his past and his feelings for Emma? What happens to Emma?
The ending of Falcon is written in such a way that there could potentially be another adventure for Sentry 6 if the mood strikes.
Mrs. Neves' books, Nightwatch and Falcon, are filled with mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend you give them a read.
I am a beta reader/proofreader for Mrs. Neves.
In order to "get" Falcon, I highly recommend you read Nightwatch first. In Nightwatch, you will be introduced to Emma and Adam along with Sentry 6.
In Falcon, we meet Sienna and the rest of Sentry 6 who are agents Adam (Falcon) worked with on previous assignments. Roach and Rat were abducted because Archimedes and his band of bad guys thought they were developing some sort of superior technology, all contained within a ring. Abducting Roach and Rat was also a way for Archimedes to get close to Adam. Sentry 6 rescues Roach. Do they find Rat? What happened to Archimedes? Does Adam reconcile his feelings of his past and his feelings for Emma? What happens to Emma?
The ending of Falcon is written in such a way that there could potentially be another adventure for Sentry 6 if the mood strikes.
Mrs. Neves' books, Nightwatch and Falcon, are filled with mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend you give them a read.
I am a beta reader/proofreader for Mrs. Neves.
Don't Dare To Dream by Dan Friedman Book Review
As a part of Mr. Friedman's ARC Team, I was given the opportunity to read/proof "Don't Dare To Dream."
SPOILER ALERT!
Part One introduces us to David Pascal who was feeling down about himself due to life circumstances. Rick and Angela moved into the same apartment complex, befriending David, Rick being a life coach and Angela being a student studying to be a psychologist. They get to know David. Rick even helps him develop a workout plan and helps David start to get into shape, physically, which ultimately helps him feel better about himself. Rick comes up with a brilliant business idea!
Part Two takes us through the attempted start-up attempt at a life coach app. David used to create apps for a living, from developing the app to getting investors. He was well on his way to feeling successful in life as he was able to secure an investor. Rick turned out to be a disappointment as a business partner and suddenly disappears.
Part Three is where this book really "heats up." The local police are involved. The FBI is involved. David becomes a suspect. Angela is even looked at as a suspect. Rick is nowhere to be found. When Rick resurfaces, do they believe his story as to the why behind his disappearance? Do they believe that "bad guys" are really after him? Or is his story just another scam?
SPOILER ALERT!
Part One introduces us to David Pascal who was feeling down about himself due to life circumstances. Rick and Angela moved into the same apartment complex, befriending David, Rick being a life coach and Angela being a student studying to be a psychologist. They get to know David. Rick even helps him develop a workout plan and helps David start to get into shape, physically, which ultimately helps him feel better about himself. Rick comes up with a brilliant business idea!
Part Two takes us through the attempted start-up attempt at a life coach app. David used to create apps for a living, from developing the app to getting investors. He was well on his way to feeling successful in life as he was able to secure an investor. Rick turned out to be a disappointment as a business partner and suddenly disappears.
Part Three is where this book really "heats up." The local police are involved. The FBI is involved. David becomes a suspect. Angela is even looked at as a suspect. Rick is nowhere to be found. When Rick resurfaces, do they believe his story as to the why behind his disappearance? Do they believe that "bad guys" are really after him? Or is his story just another scam?
Saturday, March 9, 2019
A Gambler's Jury by Victor Methos Book Review
Mr. Methos recently was awarded a Mystery Writers of America Certificate of Nomination for this novel. After reading it, I can see why. If I had more time, I would've been able to finish this book in a day, two at the most.
Danielle "Dani" Rollins, a lawyer with an affinity for booze, took on the case of Theodore "Teddy" Thorne, a mentally challenged soon-to-be 18-year-old young man. Teddy was accused of selling cocaine to a confidential informant. Was he capable of formulating the plan? Follow Dani through a few other cases (and beers) as she tries to figure out what is really going on with Teddy's case. She discovers what's really happening and decides to fight against the system. Does she win?
It is unfortunate that things like this really happen in this day and age.
I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from Mr. Methos who, as it turns out, is a practicing lawyer in Utah. Well done, Mr. Methos!
Danielle "Dani" Rollins, a lawyer with an affinity for booze, took on the case of Theodore "Teddy" Thorne, a mentally challenged soon-to-be 18-year-old young man. Teddy was accused of selling cocaine to a confidential informant. Was he capable of formulating the plan? Follow Dani through a few other cases (and beers) as she tries to figure out what is really going on with Teddy's case. She discovers what's really happening and decides to fight against the system. Does she win?
It is unfortunate that things like this really happen in this day and age.
I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from Mr. Methos who, as it turns out, is a practicing lawyer in Utah. Well done, Mr. Methos!
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Media Justice by Dennis Carstens Book Review
Mr. Carstens has done it again! While Media Justice does not really take off until Chapter 13, when Marc Kadella shows up, give it a chance. Chapters 1 through 12 give you the backstory. A classic example of the media convicting someone before she's even been to trial. What really happened to Becky and who is to blame? There is a twist in this tale that you won't expect.
You can find Mr. Carstens at http://denniscarstensauthor.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarcKadellaLegalMysteries/
In my quest to transition from medical transcription to beta/proofreading in the literary world, I emailed several authors, Mr. Carstens being one of them. To my surprise, he responded with an affirmative. Thank you, Mr. Carstens, for giving me the opportunity to review Media Justice. I also have to admit that Mr. Carstens is one of my favorite authors. If you have not read any of his books, I encourage you to do so.
You can find Mr. Carstens at http://denniscarstensauthor.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarcKadellaLegalMysteries/
In my quest to transition from medical transcription to beta/proofreading in the literary world, I emailed several authors, Mr. Carstens being one of them. To my surprise, he responded with an affirmative. Thank you, Mr. Carstens, for giving me the opportunity to review Media Justice. I also have to admit that Mr. Carstens is one of my favorite authors. If you have not read any of his books, I encourage you to do so.
The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves Book Review
I recently received an ARE (Advance Readers' Edition) of The Girl He Used To Know. I had not taken the time to read it immediately, but kept reading such good reviews in Ms. Graves' Facebook group, I finally took the time.
Annika, a high-functioning autistic college student, meets Jonathan, a transfer from another college in chess club. Jonathan is the only person who has ever treated Annika the way she needs at the time, protecting her from sights, sounds, and people who may hurt her. College ends and, as often happens, the couple ends their relationship. Ten years later on a chance meeting on a sidewalk in New York … you'll just have to read the book to find out what happens.
Very well-written tale of two people who learn how to accept one another for their differences.
You can find Ms. Graves here:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1105171106321259/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tgarvisgraves/?eid=ARCFhgQn2XCsT8BLNjy69CsynStVUsPl_wnvxpi3CbsvZIYCLZTi4sxAgr1i1A5VHOCVO0JTmTXalyh0
Website: https://traceygarvisgraves.com/?fbclid=IwAR0kIETHXO1WArf7bsp8sBfNqpWl611BKOsCR3UQWdMe7NbrgA9jBm3FUlw
Annika, a high-functioning autistic college student, meets Jonathan, a transfer from another college in chess club. Jonathan is the only person who has ever treated Annika the way she needs at the time, protecting her from sights, sounds, and people who may hurt her. College ends and, as often happens, the couple ends their relationship. Ten years later on a chance meeting on a sidewalk in New York … you'll just have to read the book to find out what happens.
Very well-written tale of two people who learn how to accept one another for their differences.
You can find Ms. Graves here:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1105171106321259/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tgarvisgraves/?eid=ARCFhgQn2XCsT8BLNjy69CsynStVUsPl_wnvxpi3CbsvZIYCLZTi4sxAgr1i1A5VHOCVO0JTmTXalyh0
Website: https://traceygarvisgraves.com/?fbclid=IwAR0kIETHXO1WArf7bsp8sBfNqpWl611BKOsCR3UQWdMe7NbrgA9jBm3FUlw
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Separation of Words, Dates, Times
I had a question about hyphenating a person's first name in a book, did a Google search, and this is what I found.
Why learning word division is important.
This lesson will help you judge whether or not the word processor has divided a word correctly at the end of a line. In a full-justified format, words are automatically divided at the ends of lines. This format stretches the text to the right margin, giving the text a blocky look. Books, magazines, and newspapers are in a full-justified format to prevent the lines from having too much space between words, or becoming "loose." If the text is not written in the full-justified format, the words may still need to be divided because lines containing many longer words may look too short.
Most business writing today uses a "ragged right" margin, meaning that the text does not line up evenly at the right margin.
The purpose of this lesson is to equip you with the necessary skills to handle proofreading for word division occurring at a variety of line endings.
Word processors do their best to divide words at the right margins, but sometimes they divide words in ways that make it difficult for readers to identify the words. This lesson contains general principles that will help you divide words at the right margin while remaining clear and correct. Divide words between syllables. (Also see below.) You may divide words only between syllables. If a word is one syllable, you may not divide it. EXAMPLES Incorrect: Correct:
Incorrect: Correct:
EXAMPLES Incorrect: Correct:
Some words must stay together on a line or page. If you must start a new line, move everything to the new line. Do not separate the parts of a date, someone's name, or addresses. Do not divide a person's first name or last name.
EXAMPLES Incorrect: Correct:
Many words must be read together to make sense. Dividing them may confuse the reader. If you do not have room on a line, move all of the words that must stay together to the next line.
EXAMPLES Incorrect: Correct:
Why learning word division is important.
Most business writing today uses a "ragged right" margin, meaning that the text does not line up evenly at the right margin.
The purpose of this lesson is to equip you with the necessary skills to handle proofreading for word division occurring at a variety of line endings.
Word processors do their best to divide words at the right margins, but sometimes they divide words in ways that make it difficult for readers to identify the words. This lesson contains general principles that will help you divide words at the right margin while remaining clear and correct.
- thro-
ugh - bri-
be - cau-
ght
- through
- bribe
- caught
- Always leave at least two letters before the hyphen and three letters after the hyphen.
- If the word has fewer than five letters, do not divide it.
- al-
so - a-
typical - mani-
ac
- also
- atyp-
ical - ma-
niac
EXAMPLES
- NA-
ACP - AFL-
CIO - does-
n't - $3-
billion - 4,395,-
293
- NAACP
- AFL-CIO
- doesn't
- $3 billion
- 4,395,293
Some words must stay together on a line or page. If you must start a new line, move everything to the new line. Do not separate the parts of a date, someone's name, or addresses. Do not divide a person's first name or last name.
EXAMPLES
- January 3,
2001 - Dr. Arthur
Freemont - Baton Rouge,
Louisiana - Antoin-
ette - 43 West Piedmont
Avenue
- January 3, 2001
- Dr. Arthur Freemont
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Antoinette
- 43 West Piedmont Avenue
Many words must be read together to make sense. Dividing them may confuse the reader. If you do not have room on a line, move all of the words that must stay together to the next line.
EXAMPLES
- 9:00
a.m. - Chapter
23 - page
16
- 9:00 a.m.
- Chapter 23
- page 16
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney Book Review
This is a book that was recommended to me by my sister-in-law as she had listened to the audio book and wanted someone to discuss it with.
What a tangled web we sometimes weave. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in a coma? The thoughts you'd have, the sounds you'd hear. A tale that takes you through just that, take a visit through Amber's thoughts. Does she wake up to the truth?
To quote the end of this book - "My name is Amber (Taylor) Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me:
1. I was in a coma.
2. My sister died in a tragic accident.
3. Sometimes I lie."
What a tangled web we sometimes weave. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in a coma? The thoughts you'd have, the sounds you'd hear. A tale that takes you through just that, take a visit through Amber's thoughts. Does she wake up to the truth?
To quote the end of this book - "My name is Amber (Taylor) Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me:
1. I was in a coma.
2. My sister died in a tragic accident.
3. Sometimes I lie."
Orphan Trail by Christina Baker Kline Book Review
This is a book I picked up from my father-in-law. While not typically in the genre I like to read, I really enjoyed this book. I found it very well written.
Orphan Train takes you on a journey of two orphans, Niamh and Dutchy, who went through multiple name changes throughout their lives. Their story is told through Vivian through a young housekeeper she hires, a young teenager who learned a lot from Vivian. I think Orphan Train is pretty true to life of what orphans went through back in the late 1920s to 1930s. Read to find out the trials of Niamh and Dutchy, the good times, the abuse they suffered, all culminating in ...
I highly recommend this book!
Orphan Train takes you on a journey of two orphans, Niamh and Dutchy, who went through multiple name changes throughout their lives. Their story is told through Vivian through a young housekeeper she hires, a young teenager who learned a lot from Vivian. I think Orphan Train is pretty true to life of what orphans went through back in the late 1920s to 1930s. Read to find out the trials of Niamh and Dutchy, the good times, the abuse they suffered, all culminating in ...
I highly recommend this book!
Monday, February 25, 2019
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides Book Review
There are so many free ways to get books on Facebook … this is one I received an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of through a giveaway on Facebook. I signed up for one, totally forgot about doing so, and it arrived in the mail one day.
The Silent Patient is an extremely well-written book. Kudos to Mr. Michaelides! It is a psychological thriller that takes you through Alicia's life and why she suddenly went quiet. She ends up in a psychiatric hospital only to be followed by a psychiatrist, Theo Faber, who wants to help her get better … or does he? You'll have to get yourself a copy to find out.
I highly recommend this book!
The Silent Patient is an extremely well-written book. Kudos to Mr. Michaelides! It is a psychological thriller that takes you through Alicia's life and why she suddenly went quiet. She ends up in a psychiatric hospital only to be followed by a psychiatrist, Theo Faber, who wants to help her get better … or does he? You'll have to get yourself a copy to find out.
I highly recommend this book!
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Dark Side of Sunset Pointe by Michael Allan Scott Book Review
This book comes with a language warning. If you shy away from F-bombs and other swear words, I would not recommend this book for you. However, the language involved is true to life. You decide.
I came across Mr. Scott's offer of a free download via Facebook and decided to give his book a read as I had never even heard of Mr. Scott.
I have to admit that this was a hard book for me to read. I think that is because there was so much back and forth between the present and the backstory involved. For me, personally, I would like to see more involvement of Lance Underphal as he is the one who "solved" the case. Mr. Underphal seems to have been given a backseat in this tale. There are some scenes that I think could be cut out as I think they all fed into Big Mike's ego and, throughout this book, we all know that Big Mike has a big ego that really doesn't need to be fed.
I commend Mr. Scott for taking a shot at publishing his book, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe. Personally, I think with a few more rewrites and a good edit he might have a really good book in this one. I think, as a reader, we tend to just "know" some things without a chapter or two on the subject. For instance, I think the scene of killing the snake could totally be eliminated, though I "get" where it ties into the story, still … it only adds to Big Mike's ego and I think it's unnecessary as it really doesn't add anything to the story.
At this time, per Mr. Scott, he has moved onto another series and Dark Side is not up for re-publishing.
I came across Mr. Scott's offer of a free download via Facebook and decided to give his book a read as I had never even heard of Mr. Scott.
I have to admit that this was a hard book for me to read. I think that is because there was so much back and forth between the present and the backstory involved. For me, personally, I would like to see more involvement of Lance Underphal as he is the one who "solved" the case. Mr. Underphal seems to have been given a backseat in this tale. There are some scenes that I think could be cut out as I think they all fed into Big Mike's ego and, throughout this book, we all know that Big Mike has a big ego that really doesn't need to be fed.
I commend Mr. Scott for taking a shot at publishing his book, Dark Side of Sunset Pointe. Personally, I think with a few more rewrites and a good edit he might have a really good book in this one. I think, as a reader, we tend to just "know" some things without a chapter or two on the subject. For instance, I think the scene of killing the snake could totally be eliminated, though I "get" where it ties into the story, still … it only adds to Big Mike's ego and I think it's unnecessary as it really doesn't add anything to the story.
At this time, per Mr. Scott, he has moved onto another series and Dark Side is not up for re-publishing.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Nightwatch by Nellie K. Neves Book Review
Having met Mrs. Neves through Facebook and becoming friends
with her, I discovered she is an author and decided to give her books a
try. I started with her Lindy Johnson PI
series and decided to give her other two books, Nightwatch and Falcon, a try. Normally, I would not have picked Nightwatch
to read, but I really enjoyed the story line.
If you are into a bit of intrigue, subtle romance, the battle of good
versus evil, and internal struggles of knowing what choices to make, I highly
recommend you give Nightwatch a shot! It
has all of these dynamics and more. The
question is … will Emma and Adam find the key?
Watch for more from Mrs. Neves – she’s an author you’ll want to keep on
your to-read list.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Hygiene and Dementia
Not an easy caregiving task to accomplish. Doable. Just not easy.
For whatever reason dementia individuals are terrified of water. I know my own mom-in-law doesn't particularly like to even wash her hands.
And taking a shower? Ohmigosh.
And taking her teeth out to let them be cleaned? What she remembers is going to the dentist and coming out with no teeth.
Randy, my husband, usually has to catch her before she gets out of bed in the morning and can finagle her into the shower. He is not always 100% on getting her dentures out. Sometimes the best he can do is get her to brush her teeth and rinse her mouth out with mouthwash.
I remember meeting Randy at the hospital when she was released after her surgery. I got there just in time for her shower. He figured it would be easier to shower her there as they are equipped and there is more room in a hospital shower. For whatever reason, they had a male nurse in and out; this I do not understand. Even though a dementia patient usually loses all sense of modesty, this just seemed wrong to me. He, the nurse, also seemed less than effective. My mom-in-law was sitting there saying things like, "You know I don't have any clothes on." "Don't do this to me." "Why are you doing this to me?" Anyway, I got there in time to hear her screaming. While I do not relish the thought of seeing her naked, between Randy and I, and the absence of the male nurse presence, we got her showered and dressed, ready to go home.
The fear of water to a dementia patient is very real. Something we do not understand and I suspect we never really will.
My sister-in-law recently took Faye (my mom-in-law) to the doctor within the last month as we have tried two caregivers to no avail and we needed to have her officially diagnosed with end-stage Alzheimer's. We have to work through the system. Fortunately, Faye was "misbehaving" so her new doctor could see her behavior. I say fortunately because it is important to note that sometimes a dementia patient acts just fine when they are out of their own home. Apparently, Faye called the assistant who took her blood pressure a "fucking bitch," which I totally believe. She absolutely HATES having that done. (My question has always been why do they pump the cuff so high to begin with?) Faye also seriously dislikes going into the small exam rooms and having the door closed. Her old doctor, who moved, was able to get her to cooperate for her blood pressure and took the fastest readings on planet earth. She would also let the door stay open. One time, she even examined her in the hallway! Anywho, not knowing the "rules" of how to get Faye to "behave" at the doctor ... she, Faye, has been diagnosed with end-stage Alzheimer's (which is good and bad) and supposedly has been referred to a caseworker.
The problem with that is the Kaiser system only does medical home care and not hygiene. Ummmm, hello? Hygiene is medically necessary. Why? If a dementia patient is not cleaned properly, or at least the best you can, they can get all sorts of infections, like urinary tract infections which can then lead to worse behavior which can then lead to trips to the emergency room leading to a hospital admission. Why, oh why does the "system" not see hygiene as medically necessary? I just do not understand this at all. What is the point of having a caseworker if they are not going to assist with hygiene, which is a HUGE, I mean HUGE, issue in the dementia world?
So far, though, our third attempt at a caregiver is working out. Granted, this is only week two, but she seems to be a good fit for both Faye and Les (her husband of almost 50 years). I know Les has been resistant to having someone in their home, but so far so good ... granted, it is only week two and she has only been able to get a shower accomplished once, but in those two weeks she has taken Faye to get a pedicure (which she seriously needed) and to get a haircut (which looks great!). Faye also had an accident at the restaurant today and Melanie apparently didn't make a big deal out of it, just took her home and got her cleaned up. A+ in my book.
The best way to deal with difficult behaviors, I think, is to STOP, I mean absolutely STOP, telling the dementia individual NO or don't do that or telling him/her he/she is wrong all the time.
Good example. Faye had her shirt on inside out the other day. So what?? She was up, dressed, and covered. Who cares? Les was telling her she needed to fix her shirt. First thing Randy told her was that her shirt was wrong. I'm like, "It's not a big deal. She's covered." Some things just do not matter.
An inside out shirt is so minor in comparison to what your loved one could be doing. Just go with it.
For whatever reason dementia individuals are terrified of water. I know my own mom-in-law doesn't particularly like to even wash her hands.
And taking a shower? Ohmigosh.
And taking her teeth out to let them be cleaned? What she remembers is going to the dentist and coming out with no teeth.
Randy, my husband, usually has to catch her before she gets out of bed in the morning and can finagle her into the shower. He is not always 100% on getting her dentures out. Sometimes the best he can do is get her to brush her teeth and rinse her mouth out with mouthwash.
I remember meeting Randy at the hospital when she was released after her surgery. I got there just in time for her shower. He figured it would be easier to shower her there as they are equipped and there is more room in a hospital shower. For whatever reason, they had a male nurse in and out; this I do not understand. Even though a dementia patient usually loses all sense of modesty, this just seemed wrong to me. He, the nurse, also seemed less than effective. My mom-in-law was sitting there saying things like, "You know I don't have any clothes on." "Don't do this to me." "Why are you doing this to me?" Anyway, I got there in time to hear her screaming. While I do not relish the thought of seeing her naked, between Randy and I, and the absence of the male nurse presence, we got her showered and dressed, ready to go home.
The fear of water to a dementia patient is very real. Something we do not understand and I suspect we never really will.
My sister-in-law recently took Faye (my mom-in-law) to the doctor within the last month as we have tried two caregivers to no avail and we needed to have her officially diagnosed with end-stage Alzheimer's. We have to work through the system. Fortunately, Faye was "misbehaving" so her new doctor could see her behavior. I say fortunately because it is important to note that sometimes a dementia patient acts just fine when they are out of their own home. Apparently, Faye called the assistant who took her blood pressure a "fucking bitch," which I totally believe. She absolutely HATES having that done. (My question has always been why do they pump the cuff so high to begin with?) Faye also seriously dislikes going into the small exam rooms and having the door closed. Her old doctor, who moved, was able to get her to cooperate for her blood pressure and took the fastest readings on planet earth. She would also let the door stay open. One time, she even examined her in the hallway! Anywho, not knowing the "rules" of how to get Faye to "behave" at the doctor ... she, Faye, has been diagnosed with end-stage Alzheimer's (which is good and bad) and supposedly has been referred to a caseworker.
The problem with that is the Kaiser system only does medical home care and not hygiene. Ummmm, hello? Hygiene is medically necessary. Why? If a dementia patient is not cleaned properly, or at least the best you can, they can get all sorts of infections, like urinary tract infections which can then lead to worse behavior which can then lead to trips to the emergency room leading to a hospital admission. Why, oh why does the "system" not see hygiene as medically necessary? I just do not understand this at all. What is the point of having a caseworker if they are not going to assist with hygiene, which is a HUGE, I mean HUGE, issue in the dementia world?
So far, though, our third attempt at a caregiver is working out. Granted, this is only week two, but she seems to be a good fit for both Faye and Les (her husband of almost 50 years). I know Les has been resistant to having someone in their home, but so far so good ... granted, it is only week two and she has only been able to get a shower accomplished once, but in those two weeks she has taken Faye to get a pedicure (which she seriously needed) and to get a haircut (which looks great!). Faye also had an accident at the restaurant today and Melanie apparently didn't make a big deal out of it, just took her home and got her cleaned up. A+ in my book.
The best way to deal with difficult behaviors, I think, is to STOP, I mean absolutely STOP, telling the dementia individual NO or don't do that or telling him/her he/she is wrong all the time.
Good example. Faye had her shirt on inside out the other day. So what?? She was up, dressed, and covered. Who cares? Les was telling her she needed to fix her shirt. First thing Randy told her was that her shirt was wrong. I'm like, "It's not a big deal. She's covered." Some things just do not matter.
An inside out shirt is so minor in comparison to what your loved one could be doing. Just go with it.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
The reality is ...
Thoughts from November 4, 2015
... unless you have walked this journey of dementia/Alzheimer's you have no idea how ugly this disease is.
You have never seen your loved one pee and poop on themselves and not be able to clean it up.
You have never seen your loved one have absolutely no interest in life, not even a little tiny bit.
You have never seen your loved one not want to eat, beginning to lose weight.
Disappearing right in front of your eyes.
You have never seen your spouse, day in and day out, go make his mom dinner every night, while super exhausted from working all day, because she won't eat otherwise.
You have never seen your spouse be so giving of himself to ensure his mom is safe and well cared for, as best she can be.
You have never seen your spouse tossing and turning, worrying day in and day out for "that phone call" because you know it's coming. You just don't know when.
You have never seen your spouse be attentive to his mom's needs, even if it means cleaning up the crap - literally.
There are no easy answers with this disease, this mean disease. What are you to do if your loved one wants to sleep all the time? If the care people tell you that you need your mom to see the doctor to get hospice involved? No, hospice does not mean death is right around the corner, hospice is for support and palliative care. The only way, in this situation, to have hospice involved is by going through the system - that means a doctor's visit and a referral, a home visit by hospice to assess the situation.
Do you think this will be an easy conversation to have with your mom's husband, who really doesn't totally grasp the reality that is happening right in front of his eyes?
This is not an easy conversation to have on any level with anyone.
The reality is death is the end. The reality is death is the ultimate peace. The reality is dementia/Alzheimer's is a slow death and you get to watch it happen, slowly, day by day, piece by piece.
It is enough to make you want to pull your hair out.
Being the family of an Alzheimer's individual - it is very isolative. Where do all your friends go? Do they just not know what to say or what to do? When all they really have to do is say - I am here for you, lean on me if you need to.
And what about family? Those that seem to care, yet they never ask, never.
... unless you have walked this journey of dementia/Alzheimer's you have no idea how ugly this disease is.
You have never seen your loved one pee and poop on themselves and not be able to clean it up.
You have never seen your loved one have absolutely no interest in life, not even a little tiny bit.
You have never seen your loved one not want to eat, beginning to lose weight.
Disappearing right in front of your eyes.
You have never seen your spouse, day in and day out, go make his mom dinner every night, while super exhausted from working all day, because she won't eat otherwise.
You have never seen your spouse be so giving of himself to ensure his mom is safe and well cared for, as best she can be.
You have never seen your spouse tossing and turning, worrying day in and day out for "that phone call" because you know it's coming. You just don't know when.
You have never seen your spouse be attentive to his mom's needs, even if it means cleaning up the crap - literally.
There are no easy answers with this disease, this mean disease. What are you to do if your loved one wants to sleep all the time? If the care people tell you that you need your mom to see the doctor to get hospice involved? No, hospice does not mean death is right around the corner, hospice is for support and palliative care. The only way, in this situation, to have hospice involved is by going through the system - that means a doctor's visit and a referral, a home visit by hospice to assess the situation.
Do you think this will be an easy conversation to have with your mom's husband, who really doesn't totally grasp the reality that is happening right in front of his eyes?
This is not an easy conversation to have on any level with anyone.
The reality is death is the end. The reality is death is the ultimate peace. The reality is dementia/Alzheimer's is a slow death and you get to watch it happen, slowly, day by day, piece by piece.
It is enough to make you want to pull your hair out.
Being the family of an Alzheimer's individual - it is very isolative. Where do all your friends go? Do they just not know what to say or what to do? When all they really have to do is say - I am here for you, lean on me if you need to.
And what about family? Those that seem to care, yet they never ask, never.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
September 23, 2015
Randy had just walked in the door after a day of wakeboarding when the phone rang. I was doing my own thing and all I heard was, "If she's not moving, call 9-1-1." I started shutting things off, closed the window, the things you do on auto-pilot. I then heard, "Hang up the phone and call 9-1-1. I'm on my way." I remember saying, "Let's go."
I'm sure Randy was thinking, as I was, oh geez she's had another stroke.
When we got to his parents' house, I said, "Oh good, he did call them," as the EMTs were already there along with a fire engine.
He could not get the car parked soon enough and I about jumped out of the car before it was completely stopped, not that I knew what to expect or even what to do when we walked in the house.
The EMTs were surrounding Faye (my mom-in-law), assessing her, oxygen mask on. They had sent Les (her husband) to find her Social Security number; I'm pretty sure this was to get him out of the way, keep him busy. (The check-in lady at the hospital didn't even look at it.) Randy went to help him look. I was kind of just standing there, not in the way, but not knowing what to do. I tapped one of the EMTs on the arm, said, "She has dementia." He said, "Yes." Then, this younger EMT says, "Is she acting differently to you? She seems to be acting out." I just said, "Yes, she's acting differently. I'm sure she's scared and having a panic attack." The EMTs wanted to get Faye on the stretcher and she about screamed, "I can't move and it hurts!" When this woman complains of pain, you know she is hurting, she just does not complain about anything.
I went to get Randy as he is the only one who seems to be able to calm his mom down under any circumstances; he is her safety zone. He said, "Mom, look at me. They are going to take you to the hospital."
How much any of this registered with Faye, I do not know. I know she was scared and did not understand what was going on.
You see, Faye has Alzheimer's ...
After a couple hours of waiting in the emergency room, Les finally surfaced from the back. They were thinking Faye had a urinary tract infection. Thank goodness - no stroke!
Randy brought me back home. Went right back to the hospital. Came home a few hours later - Faye ultimately ended up with a really nasty, infected gallbladder full of stones and other crud. She was finally admitted in the wee hours of the morning, September 24. The doctors didn't want to do surgery right away as they wanted to get her infection under control. Finally, they felt it was safe enough to do surgery on the 25th of September. I know this was not an easy decision for Randy (and Les) to make. Dementia and anesthesia do not mix.
The outcome of surgery on an Alzheimer's patients can be the following:
1. Status quo, baseline mental status after all drugs have left the body.
2. Perhaps some clearing of mental status once the infection is gone.
3. Worsening of the dementia.
The Saturday following Faye's surgery, the next day, Randy was at the hospital all day long, ever vigilant. I believe it was the next day, Sunday, when Randy and I were sitting on the bed with her and she just clearly stated that she had not felt good for a long time and "I felt like I was going to die." Just as clear as anything. Randy just gently told her that when she doesn't feel good she needs to tell him. That moment of clarity was gone within 30 seconds.
Faye suffered from hallucinations due to Dilaudid, thinking her water was pink and many, many ramblings. They took her off of Dilaudid.
Hospital delirium with dementia is an ugly, ugly thing.
When we were able to get her home on Tuesday, the 29th, her mental status seemed to clear almost immediately. Before leaving, Randy asked her, "Do you know where you are?" She simply said, "I'm at home." Yes! Score one for our team! We were thrilled.
My post from my Facebook page:
Faye's new care lady is starting today, October 29, after meeting with Faye and Les yesterday. We are doing all we can to keep Faye at home, but we know the realities of this disease. It is ugly. It is mean. It is an unforgiving beast.
You can follow me here: https://www.facebook.com/melissaacraftingforacause/?ref=hl
I'm sure Randy was thinking, as I was, oh geez she's had another stroke.
When we got to his parents' house, I said, "Oh good, he did call them," as the EMTs were already there along with a fire engine.
He could not get the car parked soon enough and I about jumped out of the car before it was completely stopped, not that I knew what to expect or even what to do when we walked in the house.
The EMTs were surrounding Faye (my mom-in-law), assessing her, oxygen mask on. They had sent Les (her husband) to find her Social Security number; I'm pretty sure this was to get him out of the way, keep him busy. (The check-in lady at the hospital didn't even look at it.) Randy went to help him look. I was kind of just standing there, not in the way, but not knowing what to do. I tapped one of the EMTs on the arm, said, "She has dementia." He said, "Yes." Then, this younger EMT says, "Is she acting differently to you? She seems to be acting out." I just said, "Yes, she's acting differently. I'm sure she's scared and having a panic attack." The EMTs wanted to get Faye on the stretcher and she about screamed, "I can't move and it hurts!" When this woman complains of pain, you know she is hurting, she just does not complain about anything.
I went to get Randy as he is the only one who seems to be able to calm his mom down under any circumstances; he is her safety zone. He said, "Mom, look at me. They are going to take you to the hospital."
How much any of this registered with Faye, I do not know. I know she was scared and did not understand what was going on.
You see, Faye has Alzheimer's ...
After a couple hours of waiting in the emergency room, Les finally surfaced from the back. They were thinking Faye had a urinary tract infection. Thank goodness - no stroke!
Randy brought me back home. Went right back to the hospital. Came home a few hours later - Faye ultimately ended up with a really nasty, infected gallbladder full of stones and other crud. She was finally admitted in the wee hours of the morning, September 24. The doctors didn't want to do surgery right away as they wanted to get her infection under control. Finally, they felt it was safe enough to do surgery on the 25th of September. I know this was not an easy decision for Randy (and Les) to make. Dementia and anesthesia do not mix.
The outcome of surgery on an Alzheimer's patients can be the following:
1. Status quo, baseline mental status after all drugs have left the body.
2. Perhaps some clearing of mental status once the infection is gone.
3. Worsening of the dementia.
The Saturday following Faye's surgery, the next day, Randy was at the hospital all day long, ever vigilant. I believe it was the next day, Sunday, when Randy and I were sitting on the bed with her and she just clearly stated that she had not felt good for a long time and "I felt like I was going to die." Just as clear as anything. Randy just gently told her that when she doesn't feel good she needs to tell him. That moment of clarity was gone within 30 seconds.
Faye suffered from hallucinations due to Dilaudid, thinking her water was pink and many, many ramblings. They took her off of Dilaudid.
Hospital delirium with dementia is an ugly, ugly thing.
When we were able to get her home on Tuesday, the 29th, her mental status seemed to clear almost immediately. Before leaving, Randy asked her, "Do you know where you are?" She simply said, "I'm at home." Yes! Score one for our team! We were thrilled.
My post from my Facebook page:
Today, October 26, marks 1 month and 1 day since my mom-in-law had her gallbladder removed, a major surgery for an Alzheimer's patient. While she maintained her baseline in the beginning, she has worsened, unfortunately, in her Alzheimer's. We do not know if it is anesthesia related, the natural progression of her disease, or a combination of the two. Without this surgery, she would not be here today.
These are the changes we have noticed:
1. Sleeping a lot - I mean A LOT. She can go to bed at 5:30 or 6:00 and not wake up until 9 the next morning, dozing through the day.
2. Irritability/anger surfaces much more easily.
3. Her appetite at dinner is almost nonexistent.
4. She is beginning to have trouble swallowing, and admitted so to Randy in the last week or so when he asked her.
5. She is much more easily confused, especially in the evening hours.
6. Serious light sensitivity. We have noticed that Les, her husband, has been keeping the living room lights off for her. He is learning as we are.
7. Lack of interest - no interest whatsoever in walking the dog.
These are the changes we have noticed:
1. Sleeping a lot - I mean A LOT. She can go to bed at 5:30 or 6:00 and not wake up until 9 the next morning, dozing through the day.
2. Irritability/anger surfaces much more easily.
3. Her appetite at dinner is almost nonexistent.
4. She is beginning to have trouble swallowing, and admitted so to Randy in the last week or so when he asked her.
5. She is much more easily confused, especially in the evening hours.
6. Serious light sensitivity. We have noticed that Les, her husband, has been keeping the living room lights off for her. He is learning as we are.
7. Lack of interest - no interest whatsoever in walking the dog.
I know it may sound a bit odd to hear of a dementia/Alzheimer's individual with a lack of interest, but it really does happen. When asked if she wants to take a walk with the dog, she does not want to go and she used to always walk the dog!
Randy was able to get her showered and out and about yesterday, the 25th, she tires so much quicker now. Randy and I also went to meet a new in-home care lady yesterday, as the first one was not the right fit. Yes, we will be faced with some extremely tough decisions in the future, but for the moment my mom-in-law is safe, as happy as she can be, and as healthy as she can be at home. No, not a "pity party" just the reality of Alzheimer's.
Randy was able to get her showered and out and about yesterday, the 25th, she tires so much quicker now. Randy and I also went to meet a new in-home care lady yesterday, as the first one was not the right fit. Yes, we will be faced with some extremely tough decisions in the future, but for the moment my mom-in-law is safe, as happy as she can be, and as healthy as she can be at home. No, not a "pity party" just the reality of Alzheimer's.
Faye's new care lady is starting today, October 29, after meeting with Faye and Les yesterday. We are doing all we can to keep Faye at home, but we know the realities of this disease. It is ugly. It is mean. It is an unforgiving beast.
You can follow me here: https://www.facebook.com/melissaacraftingforacause/?ref=hl
Sunday, September 20, 2015
"The View" vs Ms. Colorado
September 20, 2015
By now, most of the world has heard what happened on "The View" last Monday, September 14, 2015. We have all seen the well-deserved backlash and the sponsors abandoning them.
No, I am not a nurse, but I do work in the medical realm as a medical transcriptionist.
Ms. Colorado, Kelley Johnson, I commend you a thousand times over for what you did. You stepped out of the norm for the talent portion of Miss America. You told a real story. You told Joe's story, your story. You are a brave lady!
While most people have been ragging on the ladies (and I use that term loosely) for being so insulting to nurses and Ms. Johnson wearing her "costume" of scrubs and a "doctor's stethoscope," I have run across only ONE person who has even remotely touched upon the subject of her speech.
And where is this supposed apology? I'm still waiting. If it ever surfaces, I am sure it will not be sincere.
I may not be the most eloquent of writers, but Alzheimer's/dementia is near and dear to my heart. I run a Facebook page hoping to "put a face" to this dreaded disease in 2015. Those of you who know me personally know that my mother-in-law struggles with this disease and that my second mom passed away this year from this dreaded disease. My late pen-pal's wife had to be placed in a care facility because she was so dangerous to herself and others. Sadly, I do not know if she is still with us or not and have been unable to find out.
Do you realize that dementia is the 6th leading cause of death? Does this not scare you? Did you know that you can get this disease in your 30s, your 40s, your 50s, and the younger you are the quicker you die?
Do you know what it's like to have your mother-in-law see you once or twice a week and not know you? Have you ever heard your loved one ask - "How long have I known you?" Or what it's like when your loved one is looking at a picture of their spouse (having been married for 40 some odd years) and asks - "Who is that?"
Do you know what it's like to have to make the decision of placing your loved one in a care facility and watch him/her just sit there in a chair? There, but not really there. What it's like to watch your loved one lose all ability to walk, talk, drink, or even eat, let alone know who you are at any given moment?
Do you know how exhausting it is for a dementia individual to just get up every day? Can you imagine what it's like having to try and keep up with a conversation that includes more than 2 people? Or even just trying to figure out how to get dressed?
And let's not forget about the caregivers! Do you know how exhausting that task is? What a challenge it is every moment of every day, not knowing what your loved one will do next?
Have you paid attention to Glen Campbell's story at all? Kim is quickly becoming one of my heroes. She has been married to him for 30+ years now. She did have Mr. Campbell in a care facility, but he is back home now. I cannot even imagine her struggles in dealing with this disease as Mr. Campbell has physical outbursts. He does not know about any of this. The sad, sad truth is that his family does and they have to watch him slowly die. And, yet, she stands by him.
Let's not forget the Reagans! Nancy will forever and always be one of my heroes! She stuck by him to the very end.
If you have not ever encountered this disease, you have no clue. And, I suspect that the ladies of "The View" are pretty clueless. If they weren't, they wouldn't have poo-pooed this disease. They just passed over it with a "not that that's not important" statement.
Now, ladies (again used loosely), of "The View," had you taken 2 minutes to find out what Kelley was all about and what she was doing, you would have had THE PERFECT platform to bring light to an extremely dreadful disease - that of Alzheimer's (oh, and let me educate you - Alzheimer's is NOT the same as dementia). Instead of coming across as ignorant, you could have brought light to a disease that needs to be talked about, one that needs more awareness, more research. One that needs a cure. You could have been having your praises sung.
Oh, and Ms. Goldberg, for you to sit there any say "listen to us ..." Why did YOU not LISTEN to Kelley?
You can find me here: https://www.facebook.com/melissaacraftingforacause
By now, most of the world has heard what happened on "The View" last Monday, September 14, 2015. We have all seen the well-deserved backlash and the sponsors abandoning them.
No, I am not a nurse, but I do work in the medical realm as a medical transcriptionist.
Ms. Colorado, Kelley Johnson, I commend you a thousand times over for what you did. You stepped out of the norm for the talent portion of Miss America. You told a real story. You told Joe's story, your story. You are a brave lady!
While most people have been ragging on the ladies (and I use that term loosely) for being so insulting to nurses and Ms. Johnson wearing her "costume" of scrubs and a "doctor's stethoscope," I have run across only ONE person who has even remotely touched upon the subject of her speech.
And where is this supposed apology? I'm still waiting. If it ever surfaces, I am sure it will not be sincere.
I may not be the most eloquent of writers, but Alzheimer's/dementia is near and dear to my heart. I run a Facebook page hoping to "put a face" to this dreaded disease in 2015. Those of you who know me personally know that my mother-in-law struggles with this disease and that my second mom passed away this year from this dreaded disease. My late pen-pal's wife had to be placed in a care facility because she was so dangerous to herself and others. Sadly, I do not know if she is still with us or not and have been unable to find out.
Do you realize that dementia is the 6th leading cause of death? Does this not scare you? Did you know that you can get this disease in your 30s, your 40s, your 50s, and the younger you are the quicker you die?
Do you know what it's like to have your mother-in-law see you once or twice a week and not know you? Have you ever heard your loved one ask - "How long have I known you?" Or what it's like when your loved one is looking at a picture of their spouse (having been married for 40 some odd years) and asks - "Who is that?"
Do you know what it's like to have to make the decision of placing your loved one in a care facility and watch him/her just sit there in a chair? There, but not really there. What it's like to watch your loved one lose all ability to walk, talk, drink, or even eat, let alone know who you are at any given moment?
Do you know how exhausting it is for a dementia individual to just get up every day? Can you imagine what it's like having to try and keep up with a conversation that includes more than 2 people? Or even just trying to figure out how to get dressed?
And let's not forget about the caregivers! Do you know how exhausting that task is? What a challenge it is every moment of every day, not knowing what your loved one will do next?
Have you paid attention to Glen Campbell's story at all? Kim is quickly becoming one of my heroes. She has been married to him for 30+ years now. She did have Mr. Campbell in a care facility, but he is back home now. I cannot even imagine her struggles in dealing with this disease as Mr. Campbell has physical outbursts. He does not know about any of this. The sad, sad truth is that his family does and they have to watch him slowly die. And, yet, she stands by him.
Let's not forget the Reagans! Nancy will forever and always be one of my heroes! She stuck by him to the very end.
If you have not ever encountered this disease, you have no clue. And, I suspect that the ladies of "The View" are pretty clueless. If they weren't, they wouldn't have poo-pooed this disease. They just passed over it with a "not that that's not important" statement.
Now, ladies (again used loosely), of "The View," had you taken 2 minutes to find out what Kelley was all about and what she was doing, you would have had THE PERFECT platform to bring light to an extremely dreadful disease - that of Alzheimer's (oh, and let me educate you - Alzheimer's is NOT the same as dementia). Instead of coming across as ignorant, you could have brought light to a disease that needs to be talked about, one that needs more awareness, more research. One that needs a cure. You could have been having your praises sung.
Oh, and Ms. Goldberg, for you to sit there any say "listen to us ..." Why did YOU not LISTEN to Kelley?
You can find me here: https://www.facebook.com/melissaacraftingforacause
Friday, April 24, 2015
My Story of Anne
This is the story of how I met one of the ladies who is the inspiration behind my Facebook page. I don't have a picture of her, but this quote sums up this story. It has been on my mind the last few days. I share it here with you today.
Way back in the 6th grade, the early 1970s or so, we had an exchange teacher as opposed to an exchange student. Christopher Bodenham was his name. He w...as supposed to teach us for a year. It took some getting used to, at the time, but I think we were making progress. Sadly, about a month into his teaching us here in the States he had a tragic and fatal accident. I don’t know who contacted his family back in England, but I do remember waiting out in the hallway that day wondering where he was. All of a sudden Mr. Anthony, our principal, showed up to let us in the classroom. We were all wondering what happened. I believe after we all settled in the classroom, he told us that we would be getting a substitute teacher. I don’t think he told us why that morning. Ms. Simmons just suddenly appeared somehow later that day. I believe it was at the end of that day that we were told Mr. Bodenham had passed on. I don’t think we were told the hows or the whys, just that it was. I remember we all had to sit down and write condolence letters to his family. I remember going to his memorial service and my mom telling me not to cry ... why I remember that is beyond me! I remember thinking his father’s name was David. He finally corrected us and told us his name was Denis. Yes, he was a doctor, a surgeon no less, and he became my mentor in life.
It all started with that condolence letter to him when I was in the 6th grade. He wrote back to our entire class thanking us for writing to him. I wrote back to him saying you’re welcome ... and on it went. For years we wrote to each other. I believe it lasted for a good 15 years!
Denis and his wife, Anne, came to the United States way back in 1980 or 1981. Boy, talk about one excited kid - me! I was finally going to meet the man I’d been writing to. I remember my mom set up an open house. I vaguely remember being sort of embarrassed for my classmates to be in our house, you know how kids are. I don’t think they picked on me though for my mom having an open house. I remember promising Denis and Anne that I would visit them after I graduated from high school in 1985. So, instead of a college education I went to England in 1985. I stayed there for 6 weeks. I was 17. I was sort of lost in this vast land of England, not knowing anyone except my host and hostess. I made a lousy house guest for sure. Looking back, I cherish the moments I was able to spend with Denis. He passed away in the early 1990s. I miss him to this very day. My most cherished item is a water color he painted of the church in his neighborhood. I have that and his picture hanging in my home office.
Anne, bless her ... I was never really connected to her in any way. It was Denis I was connected to. I can’t even explain that really. When I would write to them, I would say Denis and Anne, but really ... there just was no connection with her, I didn’t think. I don’t know ... maybe it was because Denis was the one who did the writing? Anyway, Anne was the one who wrote me a letter way back in the early 1990s telling me of Denis’ passing. That was a hard day.
Bless Anne, though ... after Denis’ passing we tried to remain in contact. It just was not the same. I had no clue what to write. I would tell myself to write to her like I would write to Denis, it just was not the same. Anyway, it got down to a Christmas card kind of relationship. Oh sure, we’d send an occasional note, with the promise of doing better. I was so excited to hear from her that she had email - we thought maybe that would be easier. Then, she was set up on Instant Messenger. None of it helped. I would look forward every year to her sending me my annual calendar. Yes, I knew it would be a cat calendar, but all the same it would arrive every year. It became our unspoken tradition ... and I, in turn, would send a box of ornaments for her to distribute every year ... every year without fail.
I guess it was about 4 years or so ago when no calendar arrived. I was like, hmmmm, maybe she simply forgot or maybe it would be late. No calendar. Another year went by, no calendar. It was not until just this past year I found out the reason.
Anne has Alzheimer’s. Anne has Alzheimer’s so badly that she had to be put in a home as she is a danger to herself and others. As of the time of this writing, March 10, 2015, I do not know if Anne is still here. I am making the presumption that she is as I have not been told otherwise and I do not find anything on Google, not that that means anything. I asked the person I am in contact with in England if she happened to have Anne’s address where she is at. I was informed that “she will not remember you. I’m sorry, but she won’t.” This hurts me to the very core of my being. Why? Because how does anybody really know this? How does anybody really know what an Alzheimer’s patient will remember and what he/she won’t remember? I just simply wanted to send her a card.
This is my story of Anne. I cherish these two people, Denis and Anne, deeply and I will never forget them. I cherish Anne for trying to continue to maintain a relationship that lasted for many, many years and one that I will forever miss.
Anne is one of the ladies who inspire my Facebook page. I honor her in my efforts to raise awareness, to hopefully help make the “stigma” of being a person with dementia diminish. There is no shame in having Alzheimer’s or dementia of any form, no shame.
It all started with that condolence letter to him when I was in the 6th grade. He wrote back to our entire class thanking us for writing to him. I wrote back to him saying you’re welcome ... and on it went. For years we wrote to each other. I believe it lasted for a good 15 years!
Denis and his wife, Anne, came to the United States way back in 1980 or 1981. Boy, talk about one excited kid - me! I was finally going to meet the man I’d been writing to. I remember my mom set up an open house. I vaguely remember being sort of embarrassed for my classmates to be in our house, you know how kids are. I don’t think they picked on me though for my mom having an open house. I remember promising Denis and Anne that I would visit them after I graduated from high school in 1985. So, instead of a college education I went to England in 1985. I stayed there for 6 weeks. I was 17. I was sort of lost in this vast land of England, not knowing anyone except my host and hostess. I made a lousy house guest for sure. Looking back, I cherish the moments I was able to spend with Denis. He passed away in the early 1990s. I miss him to this very day. My most cherished item is a water color he painted of the church in his neighborhood. I have that and his picture hanging in my home office.
Anne, bless her ... I was never really connected to her in any way. It was Denis I was connected to. I can’t even explain that really. When I would write to them, I would say Denis and Anne, but really ... there just was no connection with her, I didn’t think. I don’t know ... maybe it was because Denis was the one who did the writing? Anyway, Anne was the one who wrote me a letter way back in the early 1990s telling me of Denis’ passing. That was a hard day.
Bless Anne, though ... after Denis’ passing we tried to remain in contact. It just was not the same. I had no clue what to write. I would tell myself to write to her like I would write to Denis, it just was not the same. Anyway, it got down to a Christmas card kind of relationship. Oh sure, we’d send an occasional note, with the promise of doing better. I was so excited to hear from her that she had email - we thought maybe that would be easier. Then, she was set up on Instant Messenger. None of it helped. I would look forward every year to her sending me my annual calendar. Yes, I knew it would be a cat calendar, but all the same it would arrive every year. It became our unspoken tradition ... and I, in turn, would send a box of ornaments for her to distribute every year ... every year without fail.
I guess it was about 4 years or so ago when no calendar arrived. I was like, hmmmm, maybe she simply forgot or maybe it would be late. No calendar. Another year went by, no calendar. It was not until just this past year I found out the reason.
Anne has Alzheimer’s. Anne has Alzheimer’s so badly that she had to be put in a home as she is a danger to herself and others. As of the time of this writing, March 10, 2015, I do not know if Anne is still here. I am making the presumption that she is as I have not been told otherwise and I do not find anything on Google, not that that means anything. I asked the person I am in contact with in England if she happened to have Anne’s address where she is at. I was informed that “she will not remember you. I’m sorry, but she won’t.” This hurts me to the very core of my being. Why? Because how does anybody really know this? How does anybody really know what an Alzheimer’s patient will remember and what he/she won’t remember? I just simply wanted to send her a card.
This is my story of Anne. I cherish these two people, Denis and Anne, deeply and I will never forget them. I cherish Anne for trying to continue to maintain a relationship that lasted for many, many years and one that I will forever miss.
Anne is one of the ladies who inspire my Facebook page. I honor her in my efforts to raise awareness, to hopefully help make the “stigma” of being a person with dementia diminish. There is no shame in having Alzheimer’s or dementia of any form, no shame.
You can follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissaacraftingforacause
Friday, April 17, 2015
Lewy Body Dementia
Read the second sentence - 1.4 million individuals - that is frightening!
What is LBD?
LBD is not a rare disease. It affects an estimated 1.4 million individuals and their families in the United States. Because LBD symptoms can closely resemble other more commonly known diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, it is currently widely underdiagnosed. Many doctors or other medical professionals still are not familiar with LBD.
LBD is an umbrella term for two related diagnoses. LBD refers to both Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. The earliest symptoms of these two diseases differ, but reflect the same underlying biological changes in the brain. Over time, people with both diagnoses will develop very similar cognitive, physical, sleep, and behavioral symptoms.
While it may take more than a year or two for enough symptoms to develop for a doctor to diagnose LBD, it is critical to pursue a formal diagnosis. Early diagnosis allows for important early treatment that may extend quality of life and independence.
LBD is a multisystem disease and typically requires a comprehensive treatment approach. This approach involves a team of physicians from different specialties who collaborate to provide optimum treatment of each symptom without worsening other LBD symptoms. Many people with LBD enjoy significant improvement of their symptoms with a comprehensive approach to treatment, and some can have remarkably little change from year to year.
Some people with LBD are extremely sensitive or may react negatively to certain medications used to treat Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s in addition to certain over-the-counter medications.
WHO WAS LEWY?
In the early 1900s, while researching Parkinson's disease, the scientist Friederich H. Lewy discovered abnormal protein deposits that disrupt the brain's normal functioning. These Lewy body proteins are found in an area of the brain stem where they deplete the neurotransmitter dopamine, causing Parkinsonian symptoms. In Lewy body dementia, these abnormal proteins are diffuse throughout other areas of the brain, including the cerebral cortex. The brain chemical acetylcholine is depleted, causing disruption of perception, thinking and behavior. Lewy body dementia exists either in pure form, or in conjunction with other brain changes, including those typically seen in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
To learn more about Lewy Body dementia - http://www.lbda.org/category/3437/what-is-lbd.htm
Friday, April 10, 2015
Rita Hayworth
Did you know Rita Hayworth suffered with Alzheimer's that went incorrectly diagnosed for a very long time?
http://articles.latimes.com/2006/nov/20/health/he-myturn20
Today, someone suffering from forgetfulness is immediately assumed to have Alzheimer's disease. But it was only a few decades ago that famed actress Rita Hayworth's Alzheimer's was persistently misdiagnosed.
One of World War II's most popular pin-up girls, Hayworth began having trouble remembering her lines during the 1960s, while in her 40s. She drank heavily at times, and her fellow actors largely suspected alcohol as the cause. So did her doctors.
In the 1970s, as Hayworth's mental status worsened, she experienced several distressing public spectacles. The worst was in 1976, when she became agitated on a plane trip to London, and photos of the disheveled actress were broadcast worldwide.
Although the original patient diagnosed with what came to be known as Alzheimer's disease was a woman in her 40s, just like Hayworth, physicians had largely forgotten the disease between the discovery of the disease by German physician Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and the 1970s.
There were other blinders in Hayworth's case. Her colleagues and friends engaged in extensive denial, continuing to book her for appearances and take her to parties. And like many Alzheimer's patients, Hayworth, despite increasing confusion and memory loss, remarkably rose to the challenge on occasion. She somehow successfully played the role of a gun-slinging mother in the 1972 film "The Wrath of God."
The actress avoided doctors, who always lectured her about drinking. But finally, in 1979, New York psychiatrist Ronald Fieve made a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, a dementia caused by plaques and tangles in the brain. Two years later, the diagnosis was made public.
By this time, doctors had realized that memory loss in the elderly -- which was much more commonplace than in the young -- was also often due to Alzheimer's.
Hayworth, who died at age 68 in 1987, would become the first public face of Alzheimer's, helping to ensure that future patients did not go undiagnosed. Today, thanks in large part to Hayworth and Ronald Reagan, who went public with his diagnosis in 1994, federal funding for Alzheimer's research has dramatically increased from $146 million in 1990 to more than $650 million.
Unbeknownst to her, Hayworth helped to destigmatize a condition that can still embarrass victims and their families.
"It's upsetting that we all thought that she was drinking and we attributed all of her behavior to her being an alcoholic," Hayworth's nephew, Richard Cansino, recalled after her death. "I feel guilty I perceived it that way."
Barron H. Lerner, a historian and physician at Columbia University Medical Center, is the author of "When Illness Goes Public: Celebrity Patients and How We Look at Medicine" (Johns Hopkins, 2006).
http://articles.latimes.com/2006/nov/20/health/he-myturn20
Today, someone suffering from forgetfulness is immediately assumed to have Alzheimer's disease. But it was only a few decades ago that famed actress Rita Hayworth's Alzheimer's was persistently misdiagnosed.
One of World War II's most popular pin-up girls, Hayworth began having trouble remembering her lines during the 1960s, while in her 40s. She drank heavily at times, and her fellow actors largely suspected alcohol as the cause. So did her doctors.
In the 1970s, as Hayworth's mental status worsened, she experienced several distressing public spectacles. The worst was in 1976, when she became agitated on a plane trip to London, and photos of the disheveled actress were broadcast worldwide.
Although the original patient diagnosed with what came to be known as Alzheimer's disease was a woman in her 40s, just like Hayworth, physicians had largely forgotten the disease between the discovery of the disease by German physician Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and the 1970s.
There were other blinders in Hayworth's case. Her colleagues and friends engaged in extensive denial, continuing to book her for appearances and take her to parties. And like many Alzheimer's patients, Hayworth, despite increasing confusion and memory loss, remarkably rose to the challenge on occasion. She somehow successfully played the role of a gun-slinging mother in the 1972 film "The Wrath of God."
The actress avoided doctors, who always lectured her about drinking. But finally, in 1979, New York psychiatrist Ronald Fieve made a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, a dementia caused by plaques and tangles in the brain. Two years later, the diagnosis was made public.
By this time, doctors had realized that memory loss in the elderly -- which was much more commonplace than in the young -- was also often due to Alzheimer's.
Hayworth, who died at age 68 in 1987, would become the first public face of Alzheimer's, helping to ensure that future patients did not go undiagnosed. Today, thanks in large part to Hayworth and Ronald Reagan, who went public with his diagnosis in 1994, federal funding for Alzheimer's research has dramatically increased from $146 million in 1990 to more than $650 million.
Unbeknownst to her, Hayworth helped to destigmatize a condition that can still embarrass victims and their families.
"It's upsetting that we all thought that she was drinking and we attributed all of her behavior to her being an alcoholic," Hayworth's nephew, Richard Cansino, recalled after her death. "I feel guilty I perceived it that way."
Barron H. Lerner, a historian and physician at Columbia University Medical Center, is the author of "When Illness Goes Public: Celebrity Patients and How We Look at Medicine" (Johns Hopkins, 2006).
Friday, April 3, 2015
Five Stages of Grief
The 5 stages of grief as per grief.com ... we all grieve in different ways and in our own time. Never let anyone tell you to "cheer up" or "it'll get better." We all know it takes time to heal our wounds and, even with the passage of time, our grief can run very deep. We grieve over different things, such as divorce, loss of a job, maybe even a friend moving away, and more importantly death (the toughest part of life whether it be a loved one or a beloved pet). Take your time, your wounds will heal and scab over. Never be afraid to cry, scream, yell, rant, rave, pace the room, take a nice long jog, whatever it takes ... don't be afraid to experience the emotions no matter what anyone tells you.
1. Denial. This first stage of grieving helps us to survive the loss. In this stage, the world becomes meaningless and overwhelming. Life makes no sense. We are in a state of shock and denial. We go numb. We wonder how we can go on, if we can go on, why we should go on. We try to find a way to simply get through each day. Denial and shock help us to cope and make survival possible. Denial helps us to pace our feelings of grief. There is a grace in denial. It is nature’s way of letting in only as much as we can handle. As you accept the reality of the loss and start to ask yourself questions, you are unknowingly beginning the healing process. You are becoming stronger, and the denial is beginning to fade. But as you proceed, all the feelings you were denying begin to surface.
2. Anger. Anger is a necessary stage of the healing process. Be willing to feel your anger, even though it may seem endless. The more you truly feel it, the more it will begin to dissipate and the more you will heal. There are many other emotions under the anger and you will get to them in time, but anger is the emotion we are most used to managing. The truth is that anger has no limits. It can extend not only to your friends, the doctors, your family, yourself and your loved one who died, but also to God. You may ask, “Where is God in this? Underneath anger is pain, your pain. It is natural to feel deserted and abandoned, but we live in a society that fears anger. Anger is strength and it can be an anchor, giving temporary structure to the nothingness of loss. At first grief feels like being lost at sea: no connection to anything. Then you get angry at someone, maybe a person who didn’t attend the funeral, maybe a person who isn’t around, maybe a person who is different now that your loved one has died. Suddenly you have a structure – – your anger toward them. The anger becomes a bridge over the open sea, a connection from you to them. It is something to hold onto; and a connection made from the strength of anger feels better than nothing. We usually know more about suppressing anger than feeling it. The anger is just another indication of the intensity of your love.
3. Bargaining. Before a loss, it seems like you will do anything if only your loved one would be spared. “Please God, ” you bargain, “I will never be angry at my wife again if you’ll just let her live.” After a loss, bargaining may take the form of a temporary truce. “What if I devote the rest of my life to helping others. Then can I wake up and realize this has all been a bad dream?” We become lost in a maze of “If only…” or “What if…” statements. We want life returned to what is was; we want our loved one restored. We want to go back in time: find the tumor sooner, recognize the illness more quickly, stop the accident from happening…if only, if only, if only. Guilt is often bargaining’s companion. The “if onlys” cause us to find fault in ourselves and what we “think” we could have done differently. We may even bargain with the pain. We will do anything not to feel the pain of this loss. We remain in the past, trying to negotiate our way out of the hurt. People often think of the stages as lasting weeks or months. They forget that the stages are responses to feelings that can last for minutes or hours as we flip in and out of one and then another. We do not enter and leave each individual stage in a linear fashion. We may feel one, then another and back again to the first one.
4. Depression. After bargaining, our attention moves squarely into the present. Empty feelings present themselves, and grief enters our lives on a deeper level, deeper than we ever imagined. This depressive stage feels as though it will last forever. It’s important to understand that this depression is not a sign of mental illness. It is the appropriate response to a great loss. We withdraw from life, left in a fog of intense sadness, wondering, perhaps, if there is any point in going on alone? Why go on at all? Depression after a loss is too often seen as unnatural: a state to be fixed, something to snap out of. The first question to ask yourself is whether or not the situation you’re in is actually depressing. The loss of a loved one is a very depressing situation, and depression is a normal and appropriate response. To not experience depression after a loved one dies would be unusual. When a loss fully settles in your soul, the realization that your loved one didn’t get better this time and is not coming back is understandably depressing. If grief is a process of healing, then depression is one of the many necessary steps along the way.
5. Acceptance. Acceptance is often confused with the notion of being “all right” or “OK” with what has happened. This is not the case. Most people don’t ever feel OK or all right about the loss of a loved one. This stage is about accepting the reality that our loved one is physically gone and recognizing that this new reality is the permanent reality. We will never like this reality or make it OK, but eventually we accept it. We learn to live with it. It is the new norm with which we must learn to live. We must try to live now in a world where our loved one is missing. In resisting this new norm, at first many people want to maintain life as it was before a loved one died. In time, through bits and pieces of acceptance, however, we see that we cannot maintain the past intact. It has been forever changed and we must readjust. We must learn to reorganize roles, re-assign them to others or take them on ourselves. Finding acceptance may be just having more good days than bad ones. As we begin to live again and enjoy our life, we often feel that in doing so, we are betraying our loved one. We can never replace what has been lost, but we can make new connections, new meaningful relationships, new inter-dependencies. Instead of denying our feelings, we listen to our needs; we move, we change, we grow, we evolve. We may start to reach out to others and become involved in their lives. We invest in our friendships and in our relationship with ourselves. We begin to live again, but we cannot do so until we have given grief its time.
Take your time, feel your emotions. Never let anyone tell you "it's not okay" to cry because it is ... even years later when the loss feels like it happened just yesterday.
1. Denial. This first stage of grieving helps us to survive the loss. In this stage, the world becomes meaningless and overwhelming. Life makes no sense. We are in a state of shock and denial. We go numb. We wonder how we can go on, if we can go on, why we should go on. We try to find a way to simply get through each day. Denial and shock help us to cope and make survival possible. Denial helps us to pace our feelings of grief. There is a grace in denial. It is nature’s way of letting in only as much as we can handle. As you accept the reality of the loss and start to ask yourself questions, you are unknowingly beginning the healing process. You are becoming stronger, and the denial is beginning to fade. But as you proceed, all the feelings you were denying begin to surface.
2. Anger. Anger is a necessary stage of the healing process. Be willing to feel your anger, even though it may seem endless. The more you truly feel it, the more it will begin to dissipate and the more you will heal. There are many other emotions under the anger and you will get to them in time, but anger is the emotion we are most used to managing. The truth is that anger has no limits. It can extend not only to your friends, the doctors, your family, yourself and your loved one who died, but also to God. You may ask, “Where is God in this? Underneath anger is pain, your pain. It is natural to feel deserted and abandoned, but we live in a society that fears anger. Anger is strength and it can be an anchor, giving temporary structure to the nothingness of loss. At first grief feels like being lost at sea: no connection to anything. Then you get angry at someone, maybe a person who didn’t attend the funeral, maybe a person who isn’t around, maybe a person who is different now that your loved one has died. Suddenly you have a structure – – your anger toward them. The anger becomes a bridge over the open sea, a connection from you to them. It is something to hold onto; and a connection made from the strength of anger feels better than nothing. We usually know more about suppressing anger than feeling it. The anger is just another indication of the intensity of your love.
3. Bargaining. Before a loss, it seems like you will do anything if only your loved one would be spared. “Please God, ” you bargain, “I will never be angry at my wife again if you’ll just let her live.” After a loss, bargaining may take the form of a temporary truce. “What if I devote the rest of my life to helping others. Then can I wake up and realize this has all been a bad dream?” We become lost in a maze of “If only…” or “What if…” statements. We want life returned to what is was; we want our loved one restored. We want to go back in time: find the tumor sooner, recognize the illness more quickly, stop the accident from happening…if only, if only, if only. Guilt is often bargaining’s companion. The “if onlys” cause us to find fault in ourselves and what we “think” we could have done differently. We may even bargain with the pain. We will do anything not to feel the pain of this loss. We remain in the past, trying to negotiate our way out of the hurt. People often think of the stages as lasting weeks or months. They forget that the stages are responses to feelings that can last for minutes or hours as we flip in and out of one and then another. We do not enter and leave each individual stage in a linear fashion. We may feel one, then another and back again to the first one.
4. Depression. After bargaining, our attention moves squarely into the present. Empty feelings present themselves, and grief enters our lives on a deeper level, deeper than we ever imagined. This depressive stage feels as though it will last forever. It’s important to understand that this depression is not a sign of mental illness. It is the appropriate response to a great loss. We withdraw from life, left in a fog of intense sadness, wondering, perhaps, if there is any point in going on alone? Why go on at all? Depression after a loss is too often seen as unnatural: a state to be fixed, something to snap out of. The first question to ask yourself is whether or not the situation you’re in is actually depressing. The loss of a loved one is a very depressing situation, and depression is a normal and appropriate response. To not experience depression after a loved one dies would be unusual. When a loss fully settles in your soul, the realization that your loved one didn’t get better this time and is not coming back is understandably depressing. If grief is a process of healing, then depression is one of the many necessary steps along the way.
5. Acceptance. Acceptance is often confused with the notion of being “all right” or “OK” with what has happened. This is not the case. Most people don’t ever feel OK or all right about the loss of a loved one. This stage is about accepting the reality that our loved one is physically gone and recognizing that this new reality is the permanent reality. We will never like this reality or make it OK, but eventually we accept it. We learn to live with it. It is the new norm with which we must learn to live. We must try to live now in a world where our loved one is missing. In resisting this new norm, at first many people want to maintain life as it was before a loved one died. In time, through bits and pieces of acceptance, however, we see that we cannot maintain the past intact. It has been forever changed and we must readjust. We must learn to reorganize roles, re-assign them to others or take them on ourselves. Finding acceptance may be just having more good days than bad ones. As we begin to live again and enjoy our life, we often feel that in doing so, we are betraying our loved one. We can never replace what has been lost, but we can make new connections, new meaningful relationships, new inter-dependencies. Instead of denying our feelings, we listen to our needs; we move, we change, we grow, we evolve. We may start to reach out to others and become involved in their lives. We invest in our friendships and in our relationship with ourselves. We begin to live again, but we cannot do so until we have given grief its time.
Take your time, feel your emotions. Never let anyone tell you "it's not okay" to cry because it is ... even years later when the loss feels like it happened just yesterday.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Medications Linked to Alzheimer's
As I was scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon this article related to something else entirely. It was about police walking away from a situation that involved a mentally ill individual. You know how off to the side they have those "related articles," I saw one that mentioned medications leading to Alzheimer's disease and decided to read it. It is frightening!
As per Google when I went to search for the article again.
"Older people who have relied on a class of drugs called benzodiazepines to reduce anxiety or induce sleep are at higher risk of going on to develop Alzheimer's disease, new research finds, with those whose use of the medications is most intensive almost twice as likely to develop the mind-robbing disorder."
Alzheimer's and/or dementia is bad enough, but why are we "poisoning" our population with drugs that could potentially cause dementia or worsening of this horrid disease?
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-sn-anxiety-drug-alzheimers-20140909-story.html
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/27/sleeping-drugs-increased-risk-alzheimers
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/benzodiazepine-use-may-raise-risk-alzheimers-disease-201409107397
If you are dealing with someone with dementia, I highly encourage you to talk to his/her doctor about the medications he/she is taking and, if at all possible, remove the medication from his/her regimen. Sometimes the risks far outweigh any benefits one might experience.
As per Google when I went to search for the article again.
"Older people who have relied on a class of drugs called benzodiazepines to reduce anxiety or induce sleep are at higher risk of going on to develop Alzheimer's disease, new research finds, with those whose use of the medications is most intensive almost twice as likely to develop the mind-robbing disorder."
Alzheimer's and/or dementia is bad enough, but why are we "poisoning" our population with drugs that could potentially cause dementia or worsening of this horrid disease?
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-sn-anxiety-drug-alzheimers-20140909-story.html
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/27/sleeping-drugs-increased-risk-alzheimers
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/benzodiazepine-use-may-raise-risk-alzheimers-disease-201409107397
If you are dealing with someone with dementia, I highly encourage you to talk to his/her doctor about the medications he/she is taking and, if at all possible, remove the medication from his/her regimen. Sometimes the risks far outweigh any benefits one might experience.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Tony Abbott Cuts Funding for Caregivers
This is another frightening blow for Alzheimer's caregivers. Yes, I realize Tony Abbott is out of Australia, but Alzheimer's is Alzheimer's no matter the country. It is a horrid, mean, nasty disease and to take money away from caregivers is unfair.
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/the-blocks-shaynna-blaze-attacks-pm-tony-abbott-over-budget-cuts-to-health-program/story-fn907478-1227012670477
A couple of excerpts from the above referenced article - "An estimated 332,000 Australians live with dementia but the country’s rapidly ageing population means that figure is expected to jump by one-third to 400,000 in the next decade.
"Experts say without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia will reach 900,000 by 2050."
These statistics are frightening.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Glen Campbell and Alzheimer's
I don't know if any of you are country music fans or if you know who Glen Campbell is. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I just found this fascinating article about his disease, written by his wife. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/10/24/faith-alzheimer-and-my-husband-glen-campbell/
You see, Alzheimer's does not discriminate. It does not care if you are famous. It does not care if you are a singer, a writer, a politician, or just an "every day" person. It does not care. Alzheimer's is mean.
Mr. Campbell also did a farewell tour when he knew what was happening to him. That is sad, don't you think? When the person knows something is wrong? Click on the link above and it will take you directly to the Fox News article. He wrote one final song "before Alzheimer's took him away."
Here is the article as written by his wife, Kim Campbell, who I suspect will become another of my heroes.
My husband, Glen Campbell, has stage 6 Alzheimer’s disease. Seven months ago, at the recommendation of his doctors, we placed him in a memory care facility close to our home in Nashville.
It’s a community that’s designed specifically for the needs of those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia. They have all kinds of therapies and activities that stimulate parts of the brain affected by the illness. It’s a safe and secure environment where he receives around-the-clock care.
It’s been good for him. He just seems more at peace there than he was at home, where he became increasingly agitated and frantic.
He lives in a mental fog most of the time. He’s lost most of his language skills and has a hard time communicating. He still has moments of lucidity, though, and those moments let us know he’s still in there and that he’s the Glen we’ve always known. He can make short sentences and say things like “I love you” and “We are so blessed.”
The aides and nurses say he must have been a godly man because they always see him thanking the Lord. I’ve seen him walk over to the window and lift up his hands and say, “Thank you, heavenly Father.”
Those moments are so comforting because when you’re facing your mortality, that’s when you want to know God is there. That’s when you really want to draw close to Him.
When I see him do that, I know God is with him, and he’s aware of His presence. He’s relying on the Lord and gets his strength from Him.
People should not give up on others who have dementia. The essence of who they are is still alive and still in there.
He’s still the Glen Campbell he’s always been. He’s always especially loved children and old people. There’s this little lady in a wheelchair in the facility, and she can’t speak at all. He will walk over to her and take her little hand in his and say, “You are so precious.”
He’ll kiss her on the forehead, and she’ll just look up at him. She has no idea who he is, but you can tell it comforts her.
Even in his affliction, he’s ministering to people and trying to be a blessing.
In between those moments, he’s lost. He wanders. He can’t communicate. He doesn’t understand what others say to him. It’s very hard to direct him even to sit in a chair in the dining room.
When we did the film, “Glen Campbell... I’ll Be Me,” which documents his last farewell tour, Glen was in stages 2-4. He knew what was happening to him and he wanted to let people know what Alzheimer’s is really like.
He was passionate about making this film because he hoped it would be a catalyst for more funding for research to find a cure. He wanted to encourage other families who are dealing with this disease to keep living their lives, supporting each other and lifting each other up.
When Glen got the diagnosis and decided to go public, it was because he wanted fans to know what was going on in case he exhibited odd behavior on stage, like repeating a song or forgetting what key it was in.
He just wanted them to understand. But after he made the announcement, we all wondered if anyone would want to come see someone with Alzheimer’s perform.
We wondered if his fans would rather remember him the way he was. Maybe it would be depressing. Or maybe no one would be interested either way.
But what we found was the exact opposite. The first show he did after making the announcement sold out. From the time he walked on stage to the time he walked off, it was one standing ovation after another. It was clear fans were there to shower him with love and to root for, support and encourage him. It really blessed Glen and encouraged him to continue on.
Offers began to pour in from around the country for Glen to come to their cities to perform.
What began as a five-week farewell tour turned into 151 dates. His last show was at the Uptown Theater in Napa, Calif., on Nov. 30, 2012.
The first 15-20 minutes were a train wreck. He was having difficulties. His guitar wasn’t loud enough. It didn’t have the quality he wanted. He became very agitated on stage. He kept turning his back to the audience. His band was very uncomfortable. It was a tough show.
But the audience, again, was so supportive. They cheered for him without fail and without question. They loved him unconditionally.
He snapped back and finished the show strong. It was good, but it was clear it was time for us to end the tour and say farewell.
He closed the show with “A Better Place.”
Daily we pray for grace and mercy as he approaches the final stages of this illness and are so thankful for the moments we see Glen being Glen.
Kim Campbell is married to country music singer Glen Campbell.
Here is the YouTube video link to Mr. Campbell's song, "I'm Not Gonna Miss You."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8TsAh-zYFI
You see, Alzheimer's does not discriminate. It does not care if you are famous. It does not care if you are a singer, a writer, a politician, or just an "every day" person. It does not care. Alzheimer's is mean.
Mr. Campbell also did a farewell tour when he knew what was happening to him. That is sad, don't you think? When the person knows something is wrong? Click on the link above and it will take you directly to the Fox News article. He wrote one final song "before Alzheimer's took him away."
Here is the article as written by his wife, Kim Campbell, who I suspect will become another of my heroes.
My husband, Glen Campbell, has stage 6 Alzheimer’s disease. Seven months ago, at the recommendation of his doctors, we placed him in a memory care facility close to our home in Nashville.
It’s a community that’s designed specifically for the needs of those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia. They have all kinds of therapies and activities that stimulate parts of the brain affected by the illness. It’s a safe and secure environment where he receives around-the-clock care.
He lives in a mental fog most of the time. He’s lost most of his language skills and has a hard time communicating. He still has moments of lucidity, though, and those moments let us know he’s still in there and that he’s the Glen we’ve always known. He can make short sentences and say things like “I love you” and “We are so blessed.”
The aides and nurses say he must have been a godly man because they always see him thanking the Lord. I’ve seen him walk over to the window and lift up his hands and say, “Thank you, heavenly Father.”
Those moments are so comforting because when you’re facing your mortality, that’s when you want to know God is there. That’s when you really want to draw close to Him.
When I see him do that, I know God is with him, and he’s aware of His presence. He’s relying on the Lord and gets his strength from Him.
People should not give up on others who have dementia. The essence of who they are is still alive and still in there.
He’s still the Glen Campbell he’s always been. He’s always especially loved children and old people. There’s this little lady in a wheelchair in the facility, and she can’t speak at all. He will walk over to her and take her little hand in his and say, “You are so precious.”
He’ll kiss her on the forehead, and she’ll just look up at him. She has no idea who he is, but you can tell it comforts her.
Even in his affliction, he’s ministering to people and trying to be a blessing.
In between those moments, he’s lost. He wanders. He can’t communicate. He doesn’t understand what others say to him. It’s very hard to direct him even to sit in a chair in the dining room.
When we did the film, “Glen Campbell... I’ll Be Me,” which documents his last farewell tour, Glen was in stages 2-4. He knew what was happening to him and he wanted to let people know what Alzheimer’s is really like.
He was passionate about making this film because he hoped it would be a catalyst for more funding for research to find a cure. He wanted to encourage other families who are dealing with this disease to keep living their lives, supporting each other and lifting each other up.
When Glen got the diagnosis and decided to go public, it was because he wanted fans to know what was going on in case he exhibited odd behavior on stage, like repeating a song or forgetting what key it was in.
He just wanted them to understand. But after he made the announcement, we all wondered if anyone would want to come see someone with Alzheimer’s perform.
We wondered if his fans would rather remember him the way he was. Maybe it would be depressing. Or maybe no one would be interested either way.
But what we found was the exact opposite. The first show he did after making the announcement sold out. From the time he walked on stage to the time he walked off, it was one standing ovation after another. It was clear fans were there to shower him with love and to root for, support and encourage him. It really blessed Glen and encouraged him to continue on.
Offers began to pour in from around the country for Glen to come to their cities to perform.
What began as a five-week farewell tour turned into 151 dates. His last show was at the Uptown Theater in Napa, Calif., on Nov. 30, 2012.
The first 15-20 minutes were a train wreck. He was having difficulties. His guitar wasn’t loud enough. It didn’t have the quality he wanted. He became very agitated on stage. He kept turning his back to the audience. His band was very uncomfortable. It was a tough show.
But the audience, again, was so supportive. They cheered for him without fail and without question. They loved him unconditionally.
He snapped back and finished the show strong. It was good, but it was clear it was time for us to end the tour and say farewell.
He closed the show with “A Better Place.”
Daily we pray for grace and mercy as he approaches the final stages of this illness and are so thankful for the moments we see Glen being Glen.
Kim Campbell is married to country music singer Glen Campbell.
Here is the YouTube video link to Mr. Campbell's song, "I'm Not Gonna Miss You."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8TsAh-zYFI
Thursday, March 5, 2015
7 Stages of Alzheimer's
There are 7 stages of Alzheimer's disease. These are as found on the Alzheimer's Association web site (alz.org).
Stage 1: No impairment (normal function): The person does not experience any memory problems. An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms of dementia.
Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline (may be normal age-related changes or earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease): The person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses - forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. But no symptoms of dementia can be detected during a medical examination or by friends, family or co-workers.
Stage 1: No impairment (normal function): The person does not experience any memory problems. An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms of dementia.
Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline (may be normal age-related changes or earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease): The person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses - forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. But no symptoms of dementia can be detected during a medical examination or by friends, family or co-workers.
| Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline (early-stage Alzheimer's can be diagnosed in some, but not all, individuals with these symptoms): Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration. Common stage 3 difficulties include: - Noticeable problems coming up with the right word or name - Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people - Having noticeably greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings. Forgetting material that one has just read - Losing or misplacing a valuable object - Increasing trouble with planning or organizing Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline (mild or early-stage Alzheimer's disease): At this point, a careful medical interview should be able to detect clear-cut symptoms in several areas: - Forgetfulness of recent events - Impaired ability to perform challenging mental arithmetic - for example, counting backward from 100 by 7's - Greater difficulty performing complex tasks, such as planning dinner for guests, paying bills or managing finances - Forgetfulness about one's own personal history - Becoming moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline (moderate or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease): Gaps in memory and thinking are noticeable, and individuals begin to need help with day-to-day activities. At this stage, those with Alzheimer's may: - Be unable to recall their own address or telephone number or the high school or college from which they graduated - Become confused about where they are or what day it is - Have trouble with less challenging mental arithmetic; such as counting backward from 40 by subtracting 4's or from 20 by 2's - Need help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion - Still remember significant details about themselves and their family - Still require no assistance with eating or using the toilet Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline (moderately severe or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease): Memory continues to worsen, personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive help with daily activities. At this stage, individuals may: - Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings - Remember their own name but have difficulty with their personal history - Distinguish familiar and unfamiliar faces but have trouble remembering the name of a spouse or caregiver - Need help dressing properly and may, without supervision, make mistakes such as putting pajamas over daytime clothes or shoes on the wrong feet - Experience major changes in sleep patterns - sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night - Need help handing details of toileting (for example, flushing the toilet, wiping or disposing of tissue properly) - Having increasingly frequent trouble controlling their bladder or bowels - Experience major personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions (such as believing that their caregiver is an imposter) or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand wringing or tissue shredding - Tend to wander or become lost Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline (severe or late-stage Alzheimer's disease): In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases. At this stage, individuals need help with much of their daily personal care, including eating or using the toilet. They may also lose the ability to smile, to sit without support and to hold their heads up. Reflexes become abnormal. Muscles grow rigid. Swallowing impaired. Remember: It is difficult to place a person with Alzheimer's in a specific stage as stages may overlap. If you would like to share your story of dealing with Alzheimer's, please do not hesitate to contact me (mjammons@comcast.net). Together, we can "put a face" to Alzheimer's. |
Monday, March 2, 2015
New Facebook Page!
I am please to announce the launching of my new Facebook page!
I have also chosen this design to be my cover photo and my business card!
This new page is a culmination of both of my other pages, Melissa A's Beaded Makes and Melissa A's Rosary Page. I will have my other two pages active on Facebook, I just won't be posting to them as often. It will take some time to get all my pictures moved over, but I do have a few uploaded. Come on over and take a peek!
https://www.facebook.com/melissaacraftingforacause
I have also chosen this design to be my cover photo and my business card!
This new page is a culmination of both of my other pages, Melissa A's Beaded Makes and Melissa A's Rosary Page. I will have my other two pages active on Facebook, I just won't be posting to them as often. It will take some time to get all my pictures moved over, but I do have a few uploaded. Come on over and take a peek!
https://www.facebook.com/melissaacraftingforacause
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