Measure of the Heart - A Father's Alzheimer's, A Daughter's Return

By Mary Ellen Geist, Springboard PressThe real life account of the author, a big city reporter and journalist, who makes the decision to leave her career and go "home" and help her mother care for her father, who has Alzheimer's disease. The story is unique as every Alzheimer's story is and yet the same as every Alzheimer's story is. The book is a wonderful reflective accounting of real life as a daughter and caregiver.Mary's father was unique in that although he couldn't remember his own daughter's name he was able to remember the lyrics to the many songs he had sung over the years, including the baritone parts to songs he sang in a men's group. Her father was delightful in life and delightful through the disease, which made the stories easier to read.Each chapter held important information to glean within the experience that was shared. I especially appreciated the chapters: Alzheimer's Chicken, which talked about the different "chores" or activities that kept her father feeling like he had meaning and purpose; Hospital Hell and Healing, was enlightening in dealing with the healthcare system and sometimes the public in general; The Caregivers, was honest about the emotions and the toll care-giving takes on a person. I came away from this book with practical ideas and comfort written by someone who has been there. It is obvious that the author deeply loves her parents, who they were and who they are now. The book contains valuable research and lists many resources. Anyone, regardless if Alzheimer's is a part of their world, would profit from and enjoy reading the book. seuss book collection sets cat hat