SHE DOESN'T SING ANYMORE': A Daughter's Journey with Her Mother Who Has Alzheimer's

by Ernestine Burtley

Life is full of adventures that lead to various changes that often times make us realize how short life really is-The longer we live, it seems we've only lived a short time. As the baby boomers take the leading role in society, many are finding themselves as caregivers to aging parents.Ernestine shares her heartfelt and challenging journey with Alzheimer's disease as her mother's caregiver. Included is some background on the disease and its effect from a caregiver's perspective. Through her journey, she begins making note of the changes her mom faces and the effects of the disease on the entire family. As she writes, she reflects back on the earlier years, growing up as she profiles her mother in a loving way. She tells stories of how her mom loved to sing and write gospel songs; how she loved her family unconditionally, and now a woman who has no awareness of her family who loves her.Ernestine started her journey on December 25, 1997, and although her mom is now in a nursing home, the struggles of a caregiver/daughter go on; each day Ernestine hopes to again hear her mother's voice and to know her mother recognizes her.

104 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2007

Reviews

[Trisha DeBoer]

The author is not the greatest writer or grammarian, but she tells a valuable story and has a powerful voice. Love should not be silenced by the rules of language. The theology is a bit unlike my own, in that I am of the school of thought that God does NOT cause bad things to happen to people. That being said, this woman's faith in and love for God is apparent in her writing. The book was a quick and easy read; one that can be useful for caregivers because it gives an idea about what might be on their horizon. The book also reminds all people that, "With every beginng there is an end, but what matters most is what is within." People with Alzheimer's (and related dementias) are still people worthy of love and dignity. Burtley makes sure to reiterate this many times.