I received a copy of this book for use in my review. All opinions are my own.
Quick Summary of The Stages of Grace by Connie Ruben. This book was written out of a desire to share with others who have loved ones with Alzheimer's disease what I have experience as Grace' caregiver and friend. I wanted to capture the emotions, the expected and the unexpected issues, the painful times as well as the humorous and loving moments that Grace and I have shared as a result of this disease. This is not mean to be a handbook for dealing with Alzheimer's disease, but I hope that by sharing my feelings and experiences, readers may recognize they are not alone on this particular journey.
This is an open, emotional memoir from an Alzheimer's caregiver. No matter the illness, owning the role of caregiver is a difficult hat to wear. The stages of Grace take us along the journey from the first days of the diagnosis onward. The author shares her thoughts, fears, doubts, anxiety, pain--and life lessons learned--as she braves each day's ups and downs.
Ruben offers readers a well written book in The Stages of Grace. Sometimes, a memoir wanders a lot with random thoughts and memories from various stages of time. While, Ruben shares memories--she maintains a sense of organization for her readers in each chapter.
Would I recommend The Stages of Grace by Connie Ruben with Kate O'Neill? If Alzheimer's has touched your life in any stage--this is a wonderful memoir for readers. Ruben faces each stage alongside her beloved Grace and shares her very personal experiences and emotions. Caregivers often feel overwhelmed and alone--whether caring for a patient with Alzheimer's or any terminal or chronic illness. Ruben creates a heartfelt memoir to let other caregivers know that they are not alone--and their own emotions are real and that learning to work through them is even necessary to their patient. While this book isn't a guidebook to Alzheimer's care--it is a book that caregivers will be able to relate to and maybe find a bit of comfort in.
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Meet the Author:
Connie Ruben is an entrepreneur with well developed management skills. She has run several large companies, and prides herself on empowering others to work to their full potential. Connie also has an intimate knowledge of the challenges and joys of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, as her mother-in-law Grace was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer’s disease in 2003. While Connie still struggles to balance her work life and home life, her understanding of this disease has made it easier for her to negotiate the demands of being a caregiver, as well as a wife, mother, and employer. She has written this book in order to share the insights she has gained as Grace’s primary caregiver and friend. Most importantly, Connie wants this book to assure others that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be enjoyable, life-affirming, and emotionally significant.
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