Fading Image: A Mother and Daughter Their Journey Through the Mire of Alzheimer's

by Mary Ray Birdwell

Fading Image focuses on the day to day feelings of a daughter who had no answers in the beginning. As time goes on in the dialogue of the book you will see my growth; emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You will be aware of the love between a mother and a daughter. You will experience love in all areas of life. I will try and answer questions you have if you have an Alzheimer’s sufferer in your life. I will try and guide you through the first steps, second steps and the life after the sufferer has passed. It was not an easy journey for my mom and myself. It was however the most learning experience in my life, the most spiritual, the most telling.
Alzheimer’s is a horrific, horrible disease. I don’t even have enough adjectives to describe its intensity on oneself. It can be, at times, sheer torture. Reading my book will help you to laugh at the most disgusting things, help you to realize some things just really don’t matter, and that you will live through this. I promise.
I have often said I am not writing Fading Image for fame or fortune. I am writing it so no one will have to feel the way I did when first being told “Your mom is mentally incompetent” … Don’t ever feel alone, ever. Read the book, write down your feelings, feel the love while experiencing our journey, mine and moms. If my book helps you in any way, then I am blessed, that is my fame and fortune. Alzheimer’s versus love. The winner - LOVE.

232 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2017

Reviews

[Pat Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I'd like to thank Mary Birdwell for my free pdf copy of her story.
Secondly, this is my unbiased opinion of same.
Thirdly, The quotes you will read in this review are taken from this book. Some will be from famous people and some will be of the authors own creation.
Fourthly, you will need a box of tissues while you read; to blot dry your cheeks as you tear up, wipe away the tears while you weep or to cover your mouth as you giggle or snort while you laugh aloud.

I have nothing but admiration for the young woman who wrote this book .
Her physical strength might have slightly faltered ( wouldn't have yours?) but her resolve and faith never did, as she took the painful journey along side her mother as she was slowly entrenched in the bottomless pit of Alzheimer`s.
There is a saying used in warfare: `` take no prisoners``, which basically means capture and kill.
While Alzheimers imprisons the victims and their allies it eventually stands the sufferer against that final wall and yells `fire.`
The author`s battle with elderly abuse infiltrates and initially weakens her efforts to rescue her mom and she probably deserves a medal of recognition for how she struggled to get her mom to safety. But she was victorious.

`` In the words of a very wise Jewish girl “ In spite of everything I still
believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can’t build up my hopes on a
foundation consisting of confusion, misery and death.” -Anne Frank, The Diary of a
Young Girl ``

Mary Birdwell`s book Dedication is a most beautiful thank you to all who shouldered on with her and her family.
The forward, by Harry Cates ( LPC ), is an intelligent , heartfelt assessment of the authors story. But also about their hope that we will learn to help the senior generation and what can happen to the elders in society if we stay in denial , don`t pay attention to the red flags and don`t ask for help when WE need it.

During the few years that preceded the completion of this book , Mary Birdwell kept an online journal of the events and her emotions as she stayed by her mothers side during this long walk. ( this information has been removed from Face Book because of publication legalities).
The loving promise to her mom of telling their story is what this book holds.

She has said herself that it ``is not a sad story. It is a story of love between a mother and daughter. A story of growth, acceptance, tears and laughter. It is a story
about faith and love. It is a story about some of the brightest stars in the universe,
people with Alzheimer’s. The most brilliant, brightest star to me has always been my
mom.`` ( I used this quote because there are no better words to describe this story)

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” -Helen Keller

`` Of course Alzheimer’s robs and takes what it wants, but we can choose to take something also. I will take love from it in any way I can. ``( page 84) - Mary Birdwell

``Regrets are non-refundable`` - Mary Birdwell

During this time Mary discovered a mother that she never knew, a humble , modest trailblazer. A brave, compassionate and beautiful woman that so many others new and loved. A mother who was `just doing her job``. Finding out so many things about her mother's life that she wasn't aware of brought a new light, respect , love and pride into the relationship with her mom. Learning of her mother's past and sharing the Alzheimer's war with her, helped the author learn about herself.

Brilliant revelations,masterfully used quotes ( some of her own making) private photographs and personally written poetry, intensified the emotional responses to this story.

“Death is the opening of a more subtle life.
In the flower, it sets free the perfume; in the chrysalis,
the butterfly; in man, the soul.”
- Juliette Adam page96

A joy for life and an incredible sense of humour lighten the intensity of this story, a story that needed to be told.
The author has said that from the telling of this story she hoped to help others going through the same struggles. What she hadn`t realized is that this book can help countless others - identify and hold back what might yet come.
“While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” -Galatians 5:10

I can only hope that I have done justice for this beautiful story in my review.

If you read only one book about a journey through Alzheimer`s this year ,this is the one you should seek.
As a matter of fact , if you only read one book this year, this should be it.


https://www.amazon.ca/Fading-Image-Da...? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458915400&sr=1-1&keywords=mary+birdwell


http://www.amazon.com/Fading-Image-Da...

[Laurie Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Fading Image was like watching Maleficent. OK, that’s stretch but the emotion of “true love” fits perfectly with this book detailing Mary’s experience with her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The book is about joy even through the despair of loss. How people as caregivers can cope and provide dignity to those we love. Mary has done her mother a great service in honoring her disease, the darkness and her death with this beautiful book. The day-to-day things that come up that no information sheet from the doctor or the internet can give you about the disease. Invaluable information. Like the love of a mother for her children, this daughter's journey was one of True Love for her mother. Beautiful.

[Nico Friedrichs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fading Image is a wonderful book not only about a mother who suffers from Alzheimer's and her daughter but also about a family that stands together in tough times due to this terrible disease. Being your own mother's caregiver is a tough situation and dealing with all the problems coming up can be very challenging. This book will give you an insight and help you to understand what is going on in an Alzheimer's patient. Sometimes you'll laugh and sometimes you will cry. You'll experience commitment and true love. You'll also experience sadness and devastation. However, Fading Image is a story filled with love. Before reading Mary's book I expected I might feel sad but actually I felt uplifted how Mary and her family overcame this tragedy. A great read.

[Leonie Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fading Image seriously packs a punch. Mary shoots straight from the hip in this no holds barred account as a devoted carer to her mother, Rosemary, suffering from Alzheimers. Written mainly in journal form, it will not fail to move you. Mary has the knack of stiring emotions deep within as she takes you on her poignant journey. This is a must read for anyone trying to cope with a loved one suffering from this dreadful disease

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fading Image is a book about a daughters love for her mother throughout her progression of Alzheimers Disease. Sometimes you don't know what you have until it's gone. Mary did not know how much she adored her mother until she wasn't her mother anymore. This book is full of laughter and tears and will make you want to hug your mother tightly. A great read for anyone dealing with Alzheimers Disease or just interested in learning more about it.

[Janice Boudreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fading image is a heartwarming read that makes you laugh and cry throughout. It is book that brings you into this family's life and it makes you feel a part of it. It is an easy quick read that teaches you about how this extraordinary family over came so many obstacles during the illness of their matriarch. Mary learns that her mother, who was one of the first women to be a Dallas police office, was not as tough as she always feared. Mary ultimately learned that she was the tough one when she had to take over as the caregiver and protector of her mom. This is a truly candied book about love, faith, and ultimate victory among loss. The relationship with your mother is the deepest one you have with no other human. This book describes this heartfelt relationship magnificently.

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Birdwell has chronicled her own story with her Mom in a way to make it relevant to all. If you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease, this book is a must read. The author's Mom had been a well respected and loved member of the Dallas Police. As such, she had lots of friends in her circle. The book describes the slow decline of the once dynamic policewoman and how it impacted those around her. The book also covers the critical subject of elder abuse when selecting the wrong spouse late in life. Mary came to the rescue of her Mom. Having said that, the book is not all gloomy, since it covers many hilarious and cherished moments happening along the way. I highly recommend you get this book.

[David Jayakaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book!! Bring your Kleenex folks...

Though gut-wrenching, funny, poignant, uplifting and deeply sorrowful at times, throughout this memoir one can sense the peace and joy that only God can give. To me the candor and honesty that the author conveys throughout this book, her struggles and triumphs, are just breathtaking. I don't know how else to put it.

Mary Ray Birdwell, you are an inspiration to many. Please keep on loving... that is who you are!!

[Marilou Castelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story right from the heart! Make sure you have tissues available as you will surely need them! Mary shares her heart and soul and how love really does conquer all! Loved this from the beginning to the end!!

[Bob Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing account woven together with love word by word.

[VastEdge Inc. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very motivational book. Enjoyed it a lot in reading. Feels blessed!!
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