Memories and Forgetfulness is a difficult story inspired by the author's family that focuses on loved ones with dementia. The story is told in two parts, Book One are Letters to Sarah and Book Two is a a story describing the author's interaction with his father. Both books describe the difficult tasks of caring for a person who is forgetful and provide anecdotes or sort stories about caregiving, love, loss and grief of relatives as they navigate with the person suffering from this debilitating disease. The stories told are riveting accounts of the interactions, told with humor, introspection and the serious business of finding the right mix of caregiving. It is a must read for those who find themselves as family members or those caring for patients with dementia.
The first book in the series is called "Letters to Sarah" about my grandmother who developed dementia and my father's correspondence with his sister helping grandmother manage her disease. Later in the book, dad talks about his forgetfulness and how he is dealing with the onset of his disease until he is unable to write further.
The second book entitled "Failing Memory," discusses the relationship I had with my father from the moment he tells me about his disease to his passing. In the end he is placed on hospice and I explain our agonizing decisions we made.
I have been told the books are touching and the reader may need to keep tissues handy. I believe the books provide a glimpse into the day to day impacts of dementia on family members, caregivers and the person receiving care.
Larry Calkins
