A memoir of a daughter, her parents and the Beast named - Alzheimer's. A story of Life, Love and Death.
In her new collection of memoir, 36 Days Apart: A memoir of a daughter, her parents and the Beast named - Alzheimer's: A story of Life, Love and Death, Deborah Tornillo chronicles the time spent taking care of her mother and father, both of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer's in February 2006.
36 Days Apart recounts this painful, enlightening journey, and Tornillo writes candidly about the struggles and fears she faced as her parents' caregiver. When the diagnosis came in 2006, Tornillo bravely faced the reality that she would need to take care of them full time.
As their disease progressed, Tornillo was faced with the difficult task of learning how to be a parent to her own parents. Through the year and a half of caring for them she extensively researched Alzheimer's in order to provide the best care possible, all the while knowing that the disease would eventually win in the end. She found herself saying goodbye to her father first, but little did she know that her mother would pass away just 36 days later.
36 Days Apart gives an honest, unflinching look at the realities of caring for and losing loved ones to Alzheimer's. Tornillo gives the reader an inside look into the day-to-day life she faced during her hearbreaking, difficult time.
Professional Reviews
A Must Read - by Lisa Brennam
This is a great read, especially for anyone who has experienced Alzheimer's first hand. The truth's this book uncovers brings a very real aspect to the authors situation. During my reading, I found myself amazed at her strength during the situation, as well as saddened that she experienced it at all. The tagline "a story of life, love and death" is well suited for such an emotional book. I felt the sadness she felt while going through the last year and a half of her parents life, and couldn't help but be pulled into the story and forced to imagine the sadness I will feel with the loss of my own parents. I highly recommend this book.
Beautiful and Bittersweet, by Kay Knapp
Deborah has shared her story; her parents love and devotion to one another, and the disease of alzheimer's "The Beast" that took both of them, only 36 Days Apart. Deborah writes with her bittersweet emotions and truth. This is a love story. Deborah's book also includes information that is very helpful.
Strength Thru Love, by Richard Uherik
I thought I was only going to take a few quick glances thru the book 36 Days Apart but after the first few sentences I knew that I would sit and read the book in its entirety.The outpour of love and respect that Deborah shows for her parents is just overwhelming.I am not real sure I could have accomplished what she did. My heart goes out to her for doing all she did do.
The research she did on the disease and getting it across to the reader was also of value,very factual and informative. Her explanations of being overly tired and having to "take a break" should ring true with anyone that ever was a "care giver" for a family member or a friend.
My humble thanks to her for this book and for those who saw it worthwhile to publish.
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