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Love Remembers: Holding on to Hope and Faith in the Face of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a merciless thief, but it can’t steal love.
Dementia is a terrifying disease, snatching away memory and independence from those close to our hearts. Early-onset Alzheimer’s takes even more, stealing whole chapters of people’s lives. But love and hope do not have to fall victim to the disease.
In Love Remembers, Kathe Ambrose Goodwin shares how her family has coped with her husband Steve’s battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s, from the first signs something was wrong to living with the final stages of the disease with dignity, peace, and even joy. Kathe lays bare the pain and frustration of their journey and how her family’s love and faith shine through, giving meaning and hope to even the darkest days.
Dementia is a terrifying disease, snatching away memory and independence from those close to our hearts. Early-onset Alzheimer’s takes even more, stealing whole chapters of people’s lives. But love and hope do not have to fall victim to the disease.
In Love Remembers, Kathe Ambrose Goodwin shares how her family has coped with her husband Steve’s battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s, from the first signs something was wrong to living with the final stages of the disease with dignity, peace, and even joy. Kathe lays bare the pain and frustration of their journey and how her family’s love and faith shine through, giving meaning and hope to even the darkest days.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2022
20 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 30, 2022
Love Remembers: Holding on to Hope and Faith in the Face of Early Onset Alzheimer’s (2022) is a candid thoughtfully written debut by Kathe Ambrose Goodwin. Ms. Goodwin earned a MA in communications from TCU, she lectures and volunteers for causes related to dementia that includes the James L. West Center for Dementia Care, where her husband Steve is a resident--she lives in Ft. Worth, Texas.
After her beloved husband Steve had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, the Goodwins were grateful for the insurance policy through Steve’s law firm that provided lifetime long-term care. Kathe took care of Steve in their home for as long as she possibly could before his admittance to a long-term care facility. According to her “guardian angel” Kimberly, (Resident Director of Family Services): the average life expectancy of a person with Alzheimer’s before age 65 is 5 years, whereas those with early-onset dementia is 10 years.
A major theme of the book focuses on the author’s Christian faith with the inclusion of scriptures before each chapter. Goodwin narrates compassionately about caring for Steve (his decline), the loss of his presence at family weddings and funerals, the arrival of grandchildren, changing Steve’s care from one facility to another, selling the family home, moving etc. The depth of the Covid-19 pandemic felt related somewhat on a superficial level rather than a world-wide global crisis and tragedy. Family photos were included. With thanks to River Grove Books via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review. (3*GOOD)
After her beloved husband Steve had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, the Goodwins were grateful for the insurance policy through Steve’s law firm that provided lifetime long-term care. Kathe took care of Steve in their home for as long as she possibly could before his admittance to a long-term care facility. According to her “guardian angel” Kimberly, (Resident Director of Family Services): the average life expectancy of a person with Alzheimer’s before age 65 is 5 years, whereas those with early-onset dementia is 10 years.
A major theme of the book focuses on the author’s Christian faith with the inclusion of scriptures before each chapter. Goodwin narrates compassionately about caring for Steve (his decline), the loss of his presence at family weddings and funerals, the arrival of grandchildren, changing Steve’s care from one facility to another, selling the family home, moving etc. The depth of the Covid-19 pandemic felt related somewhat on a superficial level rather than a world-wide global crisis and tragedy. Family photos were included. With thanks to River Grove Books via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review. (3*GOOD)
August 2, 2022
This is a very well-written book and describes what it's like to watch someone leave you piece by tiny piece, and it's one of the first that really describes well what the person with Alzheimer's must be going through.
Whether or not you already know someone with any form of dementia, at some point in your life the odds are you will and that makes this book a good one to read. While nothing can prepare you for what dementia does to a loved one, this one hits the nail pretty much right on the head. They don't call it "the long goodbye" for nothing.
I thank the author for sharing her story which had to have been difficult to relive.
Whether or not you already know someone with any form of dementia, at some point in your life the odds are you will and that makes this book a good one to read. While nothing can prepare you for what dementia does to a loved one, this one hits the nail pretty much right on the head. They don't call it "the long goodbye" for nothing.
I thank the author for sharing her story which had to have been difficult to relive.
May 25, 2022
Thank you, Goodreads, for finally updating!
Thank you, Greenleaf Book Group, for the advance reading copy.
This memoir got me crying many a times while reading it. But also it gave me a lot of strength to understand the condition of early onset Alzheimer's.
The author has given us the real scenario of coping with a family member suffering from the condition. There's pain. There's frustrating moments. But the faith we put in our family will ever be strong and stronger through such hard times. The memoir shows this exactly.
Read this book to understand and know more about the condition. A must read I feel.
Thank you, Greenleaf Book Group, for the advance reading copy.
This memoir got me crying many a times while reading it. But also it gave me a lot of strength to understand the condition of early onset Alzheimer's.
The author has given us the real scenario of coping with a family member suffering from the condition. There's pain. There's frustrating moments. But the faith we put in our family will ever be strong and stronger through such hard times. The memoir shows this exactly.
Read this book to understand and know more about the condition. A must read I feel.
May 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of religious references to the Bible which go hand in hand with what the author is talking about. If you aren’t religious, please, just read the book but skip over those parts. This book tells how dementia and Alzheimer’s affects people from the point of view of the author who goes through it with her loved one. Actually numerous loved ones. I believe everyone should read this book. It was great.
July 16, 2022
Maybe it's good, maybe not. I got as far as chapter three and stopped. I simply cannot read an author who thinks quoting the bible constantly (or any other religious book) is a good idea.
I would've liked more info on how her 61 year old husband came to be diagnosed with Alzheimers. However, it wasn't worth slogging through all the Christianity references.
More transparency in the book description would be nice.
I would've liked more info on how her 61 year old husband came to be diagnosed with Alzheimers. However, it wasn't worth slogging through all the Christianity references.
More transparency in the book description would be nice.
June 18, 2022
This is a touching, informative account of one woman loving and caring for her husband as he progresses through many stages of Alzheimer’s disease. If you know someone caring for a loved one with this insidious disease, I would highly recommend that you go out and buy them a copy of this book. If you thankfully don’t know anyone currently dealing with this, I would still recommend that you read it, as it is well written in as enjoyable a manner as it can be, considering its topic. Every journey is unique in its own way, but the author here gives you her insights along the way and shares both her triumphs and mistakes in being there for her husband. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read copy.
July 16, 2022
I won a copy of this book on Goodreads first reads, thank you!
What an emotional and heartfelt book. Couldn’t put this book down.
What an emotional and heartfelt book. Couldn’t put this book down.
December 30, 2023
“Love Remembers” is a true story of a wife dealing with a husband with Alzheimer’s Disease – from his pre-diagnosis until this death. I, too, have a husband with Alzheimer’s, which is why I wanted to read this book. I’m a member of several on-line support groups for caregivers but most are dealing with a parent or grandparent. The lens is different for each person, but also for each relationship.
Kathy was aware of problems with her husband long before she was able to get a diagnosis. I was the same. I’d advocated for help for several years with no assistance from the medical field. Kathy’s husband experienced some of the same behaviors as my husband (not being able to find the words to finish sentences, losing things and blaming others for stealing them, loss of cognitive skills, wearing multiple layers of clothing, etc. and the list goes on). I grieved for her as I felt her pain and could relate to her frustration and feelings of helplessness. My husband, like hers, couldn’t remember they were married and yet he knew she was “his girl”. It is the saddest day when your loved one no longer recognizes who you are. I live everyday with him asking “do you know where she went?” The “she” is me and it hurts he can’t see that and yet, if I’m to find something positive in this nightmare in which we are living, it is that in his heart is looking for the one he loves.
Kathy’s story was touching and sad, yet so relatable to me and/or any spouse experiencing the same. It is mind boggling (pardon the pun) what this disease is capable of doing to the brain and memories. Yet, like Kathy (and I hope the same for others), what the mind forgets, the heart remembers. To all those out there suffering with a loved one touched by Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia, you are not alone. May you find moments of peace and/or quiet where you can rejuvenate for the day ahead. May you find joy in the smallest moments, relief throughout the longest day and encouragement in the knowledge that you are bringing security and love to someone who doesn’t know how to ask for it.
Kathy was aware of problems with her husband long before she was able to get a diagnosis. I was the same. I’d advocated for help for several years with no assistance from the medical field. Kathy’s husband experienced some of the same behaviors as my husband (not being able to find the words to finish sentences, losing things and blaming others for stealing them, loss of cognitive skills, wearing multiple layers of clothing, etc. and the list goes on). I grieved for her as I felt her pain and could relate to her frustration and feelings of helplessness. My husband, like hers, couldn’t remember they were married and yet he knew she was “his girl”. It is the saddest day when your loved one no longer recognizes who you are. I live everyday with him asking “do you know where she went?” The “she” is me and it hurts he can’t see that and yet, if I’m to find something positive in this nightmare in which we are living, it is that in his heart is looking for the one he loves.
Kathy’s story was touching and sad, yet so relatable to me and/or any spouse experiencing the same. It is mind boggling (pardon the pun) what this disease is capable of doing to the brain and memories. Yet, like Kathy (and I hope the same for others), what the mind forgets, the heart remembers. To all those out there suffering with a loved one touched by Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia, you are not alone. May you find moments of peace and/or quiet where you can rejuvenate for the day ahead. May you find joy in the smallest moments, relief throughout the longest day and encouragement in the knowledge that you are bringing security and love to someone who doesn’t know how to ask for it.
August 4, 2022
Touching and Honest
Full disclosure, I received a free copy of this book through Good Reads. Living, loving, and caring for a loved one with dementia is truly a roller-coaster no one wants to be a part of. The author's honesty regarding the ugly parts must have been difficult for her to share, but I'm left grateful she has let us in. Her faith has helped her through each stage and helped her share the blessings she has received in the face of such an ugly disease. A family friend is experiencing life with a husband in early stages, and I now want to gift her a copy of this book.
Full disclosure, I received a free copy of this book through Good Reads. Living, loving, and caring for a loved one with dementia is truly a roller-coaster no one wants to be a part of. The author's honesty regarding the ugly parts must have been difficult for her to share, but I'm left grateful she has let us in. Her faith has helped her through each stage and helped her share the blessings she has received in the face of such an ugly disease. A family friend is experiencing life with a husband in early stages, and I now want to gift her a copy of this book.
August 9, 2022
Moving and Familiar Story
The author described every step of the journey through her husband's Alzheimer's. My husband had vascular dementia. Her explanations of his behaviors matched many of my husband's; the wandering, the constant walking, the inability to name items, the refusal to eat, the resulting weight loss, the vision loss, the forgetting of special times and places all mirror our experiences. She was fortunate that he still recognized her much of the time. My husband had the added "bonus"of paranoia and hallucinations. The book is well written. I appreciate her bringing her faith into the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone whose spouse or other relative, or even friend who faces this disease. Clergy would likely benefit from reading this book because dementia of all forms is so prevalent now.
The author described every step of the journey through her husband's Alzheimer's. My husband had vascular dementia. Her explanations of his behaviors matched many of my husband's; the wandering, the constant walking, the inability to name items, the refusal to eat, the resulting weight loss, the vision loss, the forgetting of special times and places all mirror our experiences. She was fortunate that he still recognized her much of the time. My husband had the added "bonus"of paranoia and hallucinations. The book is well written. I appreciate her bringing her faith into the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone whose spouse or other relative, or even friend who faces this disease. Clergy would likely benefit from reading this book because dementia of all forms is so prevalent now.
September 2, 2022
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaway for the Kindle edition of this book and thank you to the author for so articulately sharing her family's story. With Alzheimer's (and other forms of dementia) being such an unpredictable and heartbreaking disease, I think this book provides those going through similar situations an outlet where they can feel "seen" as well and know they are not alone. Hopefully for those that have watched or are watching the decline of their loved ones, the words of Kathe's daughter can be remembered... "All is not lost, but all is not as it should be."
December 13, 2022
truly a heartfelt book
I have known a few people that have been stricken with this disease. Truly a thief of a life as it is known to their loved ones. The only good thing is the person does not know what is happening. But so heart breaking for the family and friends. This book tells the true story of what kathe went through and the incredible courage and love as she cared for her husband. It is a good read and scary at the same time. Hope you enjoy it and learn from it as much as I did.
I have known a few people that have been stricken with this disease. Truly a thief of a life as it is known to their loved ones. The only good thing is the person does not know what is happening. But so heart breaking for the family and friends. This book tells the true story of what kathe went through and the incredible courage and love as she cared for her husband. It is a good read and scary at the same time. Hope you enjoy it and learn from it as much as I did.
September 11, 2022
A story of one family's formidable journey living with a horrible and debilitating disease. It's spiritual and enlightening but also illustrates the harder moments in living with or loving someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's. A battle cry for anyone who has been affected in one way or another by it. I hope it comforts, inspires, or at least informs any reader willing to read this book and may it open the door for more stories like it.
GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway
GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway
July 8, 2022
Finally, a real life book about dealing with Alzheimer’s
If you really want to know what dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s, this is the book for you. The author describes patient behaviors and when to take the next steps, all told realistically with faith and love. The author writes beautifully and her compelling story will make this book hard to put down.
She lets you know it is alright to cry, but to also have fun in light of this life changing disease. To me, that is the most important message of Love Remembers.
If you really want to know what dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s, this is the book for you. The author describes patient behaviors and when to take the next steps, all told realistically with faith and love. The author writes beautifully and her compelling story will make this book hard to put down.
She lets you know it is alright to cry, but to also have fun in light of this life changing disease. To me, that is the most important message of Love Remembers.
September 2, 2022
In this memoir, the author shares her life experiences coping with a spouse afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. The book was well written, honest, and very interesting. It has value both as a means of support for those whose loved ones are diagnosed with any form of dementia and as a learning tool for all.
October 5, 2022
This book is a very personal look at dealing with Early Onset Alzheimer's. I lost my Mom to later in life Alzheimers but many things are the same. This book takes a personal heart wrenching look at a disease that effects the whole family not only the patient. I wish I had found this book early in our families journey.
August 5, 2022
A must read!
I read this straight through with tears in my eyes. I have dear friends who have been on the Alzheimer’s journey for about 10 years. This memoir touched me so deeply and have given me a clearer view of what they have experienced so far. I’d recommend this to all who know anyone facing the dreaded long goodbye.
I read this straight through with tears in my eyes. I have dear friends who have been on the Alzheimer’s journey for about 10 years. This memoir touched me so deeply and have given me a clearer view of what they have experienced so far. I’d recommend this to all who know anyone facing the dreaded long goodbye.
September 15, 2022
Its a lovely and touching book about Alzheimer’s disease. I would highly recommend reading this book if you are caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's. It is well written and truly a great read.
October 25, 2022
This book brought back so many memories. I lost my husband to alzheimers so I was able to relate to so many of the emotions experienced by this author. Great book to read if alzheimers has affected your life.
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March 30, 2023I read this book in one sitting. It made me laugh and cry all at once. I cannot recommend it enough!!
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January 2, 2025A beautiful story of love, grief and joy. Would make an excellent gift for anyone dealing with dementia in their loved ones.
September 17, 2025
Beautiful and Insightful for Caregivers
This well written novel holds the beautiful but heartbreaking story of caring for a spouse with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. As someone that has dealt with this I found the author’s storytelling (woven with scripture) to be comforting. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn about caring for a spouse with dementia.
This well written novel holds the beautiful but heartbreaking story of caring for a spouse with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. As someone that has dealt with this I found the author’s storytelling (woven with scripture) to be comforting. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn about caring for a spouse with dementia.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews