I've Never Loved Him More is a chronological journey into the unknown and sometimes scary, dark world of Alzheimer's disease. This book is anything but dark and scary. It is delightful, funny, and heartwarming. This is one wife's story of what it means to live out her vows, "in sickness and in health," as her husband's caregiver in his struggle with Alzheimer's disease. This story takes the reader through discovery, acceptance, adjustment, and battle against the ravages of what is often seen as a soul-crushing disease. Armed with faith, humor, and a history of spiritual victories, Candy demonstrates how she is loving her way through the mind-maze that would steal her husband of four decades.
Because one in nine older Americans has Alzheimer's disease, many spouses are thrust into roles they never anticipated. Rather than gritting her teeth and saying, "I have to do this," Candy Abbott, in her new book, I've Never Loved Him More: A Husband's Alzheimers, A Wife's Devotion, demonstrates what caregiving looks like from a perspective of "I get to do this."
I've Never Loved Him More is a chronological journey into the unknown and sometimes scary, dark world of Alzheimer's disease. Yet, this book is anything but dark and scary. It is delightful, funny, and heartwarming. According to Cindy Broschart, Alzheimer's advocate, "Candy's journey offers a vision of hope--the light in the tunnel, not at the end of the tunnel."
Writing not only from experience and the heart but also from her vital connection with God, the author tells the unvarnished, sometimes raw truth with the sincere motive of helping others in a similar situation. She shares with readers her candid journey of how the disease has changed their lives as she and her husband, Drew, continue to navigate the unknown path before them.
Nancy Rue, best-selling fiction author, says, "Like the true storyteller she is, Candy spins the funny scenes in a way that brings on the belly laughter, sometimes in the midst of tears. It's never forced. It's never inappropriate. It's just true wit born out of a cheerful spirit that cannot be daunted by even this long, trying ordeal. With her use of Scripture, Candy doesn't ask the reader to simply read the passages and have faith. Instead, she explains in a practical, concrete way how those verses work in a life being put through the refining fire. Writing truth from a place of authenticity, she speaks in simple terms to the person who is emotionally writhing, offering the benefit of her hard-won wisdom and experience without ever being condescending. She owns her mistakes as well as triumphs."
This book is also recommended for those who plan to marry. The author's story demonstrates what it means to live out those "in sickness or in health" vows. Masterfully and sincerely written, this work of the heart will leave an indelible mark on each reader.
I've Never Loved Him More will serve as a companion to a caregiver in the often overwhelming moments of care. The woman sobbing because her husband is disappearing before her very eyes will be grateful for Candy's example of strength in the midst of adversity--and her whole family will benefit as well.
Pastor Carol Svecz says, "I truly believe this book has the power to become a new standard reference for the Alzheimer's community."