Somebody Stole My Iron: A Family Memoir of Dementia
Navigating the waters of dementia can be frightening, unleashing a myriad of emotions for everyone involved, precipitating anxiety and grief, anger and frustration, extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness. After her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, followed closely by her father with Parkinson’s disease-related dementia, Vicki struggled to find practical, helpful information to light her way. Somebody Stole My Iron began as a diary to help her cope, but emerged as a road map for others. It offers a glimpse into her family’s life as they rode the waves of dementia, sometimes sailing, other times capsizing.
This memoir offers useful information from experts within the field of Alzheimer’s research, personal lessons learned along the way, and ideas/tips for managing the day-to-day ups and downs of dementia. It is a story of holding on and ultimately learning to let go, transcending the pain and turmoil to discover love and compassion. Above all, Somebody Stole My Iron chronicles the tenacity of the author’s mother as she fought her way through the tangles and bewildering labyrinth. Vicki hopes to offer hope to those whose lives have been intimately affected by dementia, letting them know that they are not alone.
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What people are saying…
I sped through this memoir in a weekend. I was so inspired by Vicki’s patience and resourcefulness in caring for her parents, and the book showed me ways in which I, too, can be more patient and loving with my own. The “Lessons Learned” sections at the end of each chapter were particularly helpful. Vicki’s book helped prepare me for things to come, and also helped me feel not so alone. –Amazon Review
I am impressed with the detailed journaling the author must have done to produce this memoir. And if you think that if you’ve read one memoir about Alzheimer’s, you’ve read them all, think again. This is the third I’ve read, and I learned a great deal new from this book. Not only that, but I rode alongside the author in her experiences with her parents, laughing and crying with her. –Amazon Review
This is a story we should all read. Old age is not for sissies, nor is it a picnic for the caregivers. Vicki’s journey with her parents through the end of life labyrinth shows us her great compassion and the frustration of dealing with aging parents. I laughed, I cried, but mostly I am grateful for the guidance as I go through this stage with my own mother. Thanks Vicki. –Amazon Review
Read an excerpt from Somebody Stole My Iron
