Most people have a red-letter day when something extraordinarily good happens. I had a red-letter week.
First is the confirmation that I am a 2022 Honouree:
100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women
I am honoured and humbled to be among this class of distinguished women. I thought things could not get any better. Then this equally exciting news:
My book: My Bert Has Alzheimer’s: Caregiving is Living for Two is published.
You may view details at: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000213242990
Ever since the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s I have immersed myself in learning about dementia and the marvellous mysteries of the brain. They are both fascinating and complex.
What is the use of learning without sharing? The more I learnt the more I wanted to share. It became more urgent as I realized that much of what I was learning in the hands-on practical theatre of caring for a person with dementia came from people like me. They opened their hearts and minds and wrote down their own experiences and in so doing helped me to develop best caring practices for both my Bert and for me.
The disease is as individual as each person that contracts it. Just as no two people are carbon copies of each other, so too the disease chameleon-like manifests itself differently and uniquely in each individual.
My hope is that anyone reading this slice of life of my Bert and me will find information, support, and guidance whether they are in a caregiving situation or not. Alzheimer’s is here to stay. It is the most prevalent form of dementia.. I wish I had been more informed before I was ambushed by the diagnosis.
Worldwide distribution should happen in approximately four weeks. In addition to FriesenPress Bookstore it will be available at Amazon; Barnes and Noble; and in eBook format on Kindle (Amazon); Google Books, iTunes Bookstore. You may also check in at your local bookstore and your local library.
The Meander: To share is to care.
Many congratulations on both of these huge achievements Paula. Well done and good luck with the book.
Thank you, Andrea. Much appreciated.
Having learned so much from your blog, I am thankful that you are now sharing your insight, compassion, and the “Spirit of Paula” with the wider world.
What a lovely comment. It is much appreciated. Thank you, Wendy.
A big THANKYOU to you Paula for adding this very important book to your life’s journey. My sincere Congratulations to you; well done!
Thank you, sisterfriend.
It’s wonderful to think that all the insight you have shared with us on your blog will reach even more people. You’re such a great writer! And great human being.
Congratulations on your book (and being nominated).
It’s wonderful to think that all the insight you have shared with us on your blog will reach even more people. You’re such a great writer! And great human being.
Thank you, Kae. Your comment is much appreciated.
Very wide distribution indeed! The publisher most likely has insight into how pervasive this malady is. Of course, you are also an interesting and spell-biding writer. Way to go!
Thank you, Erma. I wrote to inform and to share the experience. I hope that others on the same journey are not blindsided as I was when I got the confirmation of the diagnosis. Forewarned is forearmed.
Congratulations on your red-letter week. More than usually deserved and appreciated. Go, Paula. Go, Bert. Yeah!
Thank you, pal. I see a waving flag. I should tell you that my Bert is finally realizing that something good has happened. After much explanation using every communication aid possible a staff member told him he should be very proud of his wife. He looked at her and simply said: “Always.” She turned to him and said: “OK then, case closed.” He grinned.
So very proud of both your terrific achievements dear friend. A red letter week indeed!
Thanks, pal. Hope to celebrate in person sooner or later.
Congratulations, Paula, on receiving that well-deserved honor! I hope you enjoy celebrating. And thank you for the news about your new book. I look forward to reading it. Your posts about how you and Bert are coping with Alzheimer’s have been so inspiring that I’m sure the book will also help many other people cope with being a caregiver.
Your approbation meant the world to me. Both the honour and the book are uplifting and I do feel a sense of accomplishment.
You have also captured my intention for writing the book. I do hope it is helpful for all readers. Thank you.