Nonfiction Book Award Status: Gold
Synopsis
IF IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR MY DAD… then it’s possible. I have a story to share. I am a daughter who took the walk through Alzheimer’s with my dad, a journey that did not come with a road map.
I cannot speak to what anyone else’s experience with the disease will be. But after 12 years of treatment, and likely more living with Alzheimer’s, the day on which my dad was last conscious he called me by name and spoke words of meaning only to me. He sat with my mom, held her hand, knew exactly who she was, and told her how much he loved her and that she was the love of his life. He was tired of living in the body that had carried him for 92 years, and it was time for him to go. That to me was the ultimate success! Through the story of our journey, I hope to inspire you to think, to know that even with Alzheimer’s disease the possibilities are limitless. With a clear philosophy and the creation of a strategy, you too can navigate your loved one’s journey so they have “a most meaningful life.”
Just 48 hours after Trish and her husband moved from suburban Chicago to the Denver area, her father suffered an unexpected medical crisis, setting into motion a two and onehalf year journey of care. Trish served as a caregiver and manager of both the care team and her parents’ medical care. The process continued through their end of life and the settlement of their estate, and meanwhile, Trish’s experience has included participating in the care of and consulting for others. In all, over a period of five years, Trish has gained over 12,000 hours of experience in providing care for a loved one, including one living with Alzheimer’s, taking the final walk of their life with them, and settling their estates. With her abundant expertise, Trish has created Comfort in their Journey. Her Comfort in Their Journey book series (A Most Meaningful Life, Peaceful Endings, and Through the Rabbit Hole) provides the clear, concise and easily accessible information that she wishes had been available to her. Trish offers readers her story and experience and the opportunity to thrive during the caregiving process. These nuts and bolts books enable caregivers to be quick studies, think, and then act by making informed decisions.
