Dancing on Quicksand: A Gift of Friendship in the Age of Alzheimer's

Rating:
Summary: A Story That Touches Us All
Review: This is a story of life, love, friendship, respect, nuance and much more that will resonate with anyone caring for--or even knowing--an aging parent or friend, particularly those afflicted with dimentia. It's beautifully written, truthfully told. Marilyn Mitchell's insights into the many challenges of caregiving and the creative adventures and techniques she invented to help David Touff should be required reading for professional caregivers and medical personnel as well as families dealing with similar challenges.

Rating:
Summary: Appreciate positive attributes instead of mourning losses
Review: Too often when a loved one loses some facility, such as memory with Alzheimer's, we mourn the loss of the individual instead of acknowledging and celebrating the positive attributes of personality still retained by the individual. Marilyn Mitchell does a superb job of continuing to recognize the incredible curiosity, intelligence and humor of David Touff despite his gradual loss of memory to Alzheimer's. I feel we could all apply this philosophical and loving approach to our friends and family who have neurological or intellectual losses. Individuals born with developmental disabilities often are thought of as lacking when we should use Marilyn's approach, appreciating and interacting with the very wonderful, positive aspects of their personalities. In this time of looking for perfection, listen to Marilyn and value what God has given us.