Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we haven't much choice. Our heart tells us one thing while our mind tells us something entirely different. And Sometimes...We're reluctant to admit that the person silently hiding within us is a much better version of our self than we ever realized was possible.
That's what Veasey learned, the hard way, after her husband died in 2017. That's when she became her parents' caregiver 24/7, and they both had Alzheimer's. This is a truthful, personal story that bares the author's soul as she struggled to find acceptance, forgiveness, and peace. You'll shed a few tears and laugh along the way. But never forget that this could be you one day, a reluctant caregiver for a loved one. As Vicki states in the introduction, "No one should enter this world of caregiving blindsided, without some idea of what to expect."
Veasey takes us on a behind the scenes tour of the emotional struggles, relentless stress, and daily frustrations she contended with as her parents' caregiver, while simultaneously trying to come to grips with the reality of recent widowhood. Despite everything, the author never gave up, even though there were many times when she was tempted to. Along the way, Vicki learned more about herself and her relationship with God; an enlightenment that helped her to accept the new chapter of her life as a widow and full-time caregiver. Her story is both spellbinding and honest, passionate and raw. Eventually, she was able to look herself in the mirror at night and say, "I'm an amazing caregiver!"
The author doesn't mince her words regarding her concerns about widowhood, quality of care for our loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer's and dementia, the quality of life for dementia caregivers, and the need for short-term respite care so caregivers can take a much-needed break from caregiving once in a while. Scattered throughout the book are Caregiving Tips from the Heart. These invaluable bits of information, thirty-six in all, are provided to assist Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers. This book also includes an extensive bibliography and additional resource materials.
Someday, you may find yourself a widow, widower, or dementia caregiver, are you prepared? Veasey wasn't at the time, but she learned the hard way how to make the best of a bad situation and she learned so much about herself in the process. And, rather than turn her back on the experience, she's embraced it by becoming an advocate for Alzheimer's, dementia, and widowhood.
"No one but another widow can understand what a widow goes through. And no one but another caregiver knows what a dementia caregiver goes through." During her journey, Vicki learned just how strong she was and to put her trust in God. With time, she was also able to look herself in the mirror each night, smile and say, "I'm an amazing caregiver!"
