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HomeShop at BookSurgeBiography & AutobiographyWomenWho Are You, and What Have You Done with My Mother?: remembering a mother's remarkable life and descent into dementia |
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Who Are You, and What Have You Done with my Mother? Jan 10, 2007
This was an excellent book. Having just been through my mother's downhill slide into dementia, I was able to relate very well to the author's thoughts about her mother. I read this book just after my mother's death, and it was a big help to me in dealing with my feelings.
Making the most of life Dec 17, 2006
As one who knew Dottie as my mother-in-law, I had a unique perspective as I read this book. I came on the scene after Dottie had retired from teaching, and watched as she designed and built the later chapters of her life. You could see a person who early on had taken the reins and managed circumstances as best she could to make the most of what life would bring. It seemed that no matter what was handed her she could find the good in it. She never allowed experiences that would have devastated the best of us to take away her intentional living for the pure joy she always saw in life. Where I saw clouds, she saw temporary impediments to a bright sunshiny day.
As time chipped away at her stature, I watched her clothe her body and mind in splendid colors capturing every last ounce of "living" that was possible. Yet, as she reached our kitchen door to leave for what would be the last time before flying home, she confided in me, "I don't think I'm going to like the rest of my life." Those words still haunt me. Even she knew the condition of her health, and had lost so many friends, that I am certain she was already planning how to handle the final chapter. Dottie was always the consummate planner. She faced her final chapter with dignity, but dementia would give her the battle of her life. It would also intercept my sister-in-law Pat's life and shake her world in ways she could never have foreseen.
This book brings to life and vividly recalls so many of my personal observations of this unique woman. Pat is a powerful story teller with a powerful story to tell. As you read you will meet someone who will make you laugh as well as circumstances and events that will make you cry and reflect. Those who have gone through a similar dark valley will find comfort in knowing you were not alone; for those who may face such a journey in the future you will find a well-worn path.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
When, indeed? Sep 22, 2006
Dorothy Rice Young is a colorful character who can cope with everything from home decor to escaped dairy cows to unplanned widowhood to a classroom of third graders . . . until dementia steals everything but the confused moment. Over iced-tea on the back patio, she matter-of-factly asks her daughter, "When do you suppose it happened that you became the mother and I became the daughter?" When indeed! This is a tale both triumphant and tragic as Dorothy's gifts strengthen a new generation even as her days are seemingly leached of the attributes that give life substance and style.
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