The Longest Goodbye: A Family's Hope-Filled Journey Through Alzheimer's

by Shelly Calcagno

Are we ever ready to say goodbye?

She looked out into the yard sprinkled with spring dandelions. “Yellow flowers,” she said, searching for her words. We knew something wasn’t right. That’s when things began to fall apart for our family, when our longest goodbye journey began—the defining before-and-after moment. And now, looking back, it’s been almost a decade of slow loss and drawn-out grief as we slowly let go of our beautiful mom. In the middle of it all, though, we have learned to look for hope and chase down joy, discovering that, in spite of our pain, there are always gifts to be found, even on the hardest of days.

Alzheimer’s disease affects almost fifty million people worldwide. It touches people across every walk of life. So, how do millions of people figure out how to love as they let go? The Longest Goodbye is a collection of stories and moments not just about the clinical side of memory loss–but the emotional heart journey. It is a story that shows how joy and grief are often intertwined and wrapped up together in the glorious mess of life.

The Longest Goodbye encourages readers to remember the ones they love while they are still here and to intentionally celebrate and live through the pain and hard days. It’s filled with tears, hope, and bitter-sweet moments all held together by the beautiful love of a mother and daughter holding onto a life filled with memories, while learning to let go and say goodbye.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

Reviews

[Noah Calcagno]

A fantastic book written by my mother that displays the beauty, sorrow, and strength found in the grieving process. Whether you know someone with Alzheimer’s, or are processing some other kind of loss, the stories and thoughts she writes about will no doubt help anyone who reads to find joy in the saddest of times.

[Shauna Leigh]

The Longest Good-bye is the story of the authors journey of navigating her mother’s alzheimer’s diagnosis and eventual progression through illness. It is a Christian title but is very relatable even to those who may not be religious.

I especially enjoyed how the author had a brief reflection at the end of each chapter that summarized what could help through the grief process.

This was an incredibly touching book and the writer was clearly blessed with an amazing woman for a mother, making her decline so much more tragic. Whether it is alzheimer’s, cancer or any other long, lingering illness this book can prove very cathartic.

Knowing that we all can walk a hard path and still come out with joy and grace is the keynote of the book.

I recommend it to caregivers, family members and anyone struggling with the loss of a loved one through illness.

[Cover Lover Book Review]

The Longest Goodbye is an emotional read. Especially if you've lost someone from Alzheimer's, or if you're currently caring for them. I've been a caregiver (although the loved one I cared for wasn't experiencing dementia) and I can say it is a heavy weight to carry.

If you've experienced loss, this book will touch you. No doubt. And haven't we all lost someone? I can't imagine losing someone to Alzheimer's. It has so many unique challenges. But the author has somehow delivered an encouraging, hope-filled, and helpful tool through grief.

I especially enjoyed the chapters closing with a brief, summarizing reflection, bringing the chapter's core message to the heart. The Longest Goodbye is a candid and comforting memoir.

First Line: I remember when I first learned about Alzheimer's Disease.
Genre: Memoir
Author: Shelly Calcagno
Page Count: 116
Content: Alzheimer's Disease

Thank you to Ambassador International for my complimentary copy.

[Shauna Goodison]

Shelly shared her experience walking through a grief journey. I personally haven’t lost someone from Alzheimer’s, but there was so much in this book that is relatable for everyone as we have either already experienced loss or will in the future. I really felt the words in this book take me 1000ft above my life and help me to see my relationships and family differently. Time is precious, and I’m thankful Shelly was willing to share her story. It is a gift that I imagine is going to help so many walking through grief.

[Samantha]

This book came as a recommendation from my therapist. My grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s within the last two years. We have lived thousands of miles apart for most of my life and our times together have been limited to mere weeks each year. But we are kindred spirits and always have been since my first memories of her. This book has given me comfort, peace, and simply good advice. Some of which I’m not ready to take given my place in my longest goodbye journey. But I’m grateful that books like this are being written because it makes people like me not feel so alone in grief.

[Alice]

If you’re experiencing the loss of a family member due to dementia, this book will definitely help you along the journey. The first hand experience of the author who had to say Goodbye to her precious Mom will give you real advice through her reflections.

[Annie Calcagno]

This was a very encouraging book over one of the most difficult experiences a family can have. Shelly writes so beautifully about how to find grace and hope amongst pain.