Connecting Columbia Union Seventh-day Adventists

Book Release: Losing Everything

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Susan P. Murray, a member of New Jersey Conference’s Rockaway church, started a journal documenting her feelings about her mother’s decline from Alzheimer’s. She turned those entries into Losing Everything, a book gives a gritty glimpse into how the disease changes its victims and how it impacts those that love them.

Read our interview with Murray below:

Visitor: What do you most want people to understand or know after reading this book?

Murray: After reading the book I hope that people will understand how insidious this disease is and it does not matter how much you plan for the changes that are going to occur in your family, all the planning will eventually go awry.  

They are to always remember that bad things sometimes happen to good people and God has not abandoned them. Keep their eyes on Him and know that He is still in charge.

Visitor: What would you want to say to others who are facing a situation where their loved one has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's?

Murray: Learn as much as you can about the disease. There are several stages of the disease. Do whatever it takes to prepare for what will happen now and in the future. Speak to your family doctor and put a medical plan in place for care. If possible, find out if there are clinical trials that are taking place and if the trials seem appropriate enroll your family member in them. These programs may minimize behavioral problems in the future. 

Keep in mind that there may not be answers to all the questions you may have about the disease. Include your family members in the care plan that you have for your loved one. The disease is a thief. It takes and will keep taking until there is nothing left to take. It's an emotional roller coaster ride for the family. However, they have to learn how to balance their life in order to keep control. They should also find a local support group and be sure to attend as many meetings as their schedule will allow.  
 
Buy a copy of the book here.

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