Last Light: Staying True through the Darkness of Alzheimer's -- Expanded Edition

Book excerpt: In 1998, Harold Burchett’s life changed drastically. After almost half a century serving as a pastor and teacher, he became both homemaker and caregiver to his wife, Jane, who was battling the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s—or any serious illness—is difficult and painful. In Last Light, Burchett shares his story, weaving hope, spiritual inspiration, and practical suggestions with his personal narrative. Particularly helpful for spouses of Alzheimer’s patients, this book: • Demonstrates how the love between a devoted husband and wife can become deeper and more profound. • Offers a candid description of the extreme highs and lows that accompany Alzheimer’s. • Provides guidance for managing self-pity, giving continually without view of repayment, and turning miseries into the joy of answered prayer. • Suggests 40 hints for caregivers, from using nail clippers to expressing empathy, to handling the patient’s resistance. Written with tenderness, honesty, and appropriate humor, Last Light is an excellent source of encouragement for those walking through the struggles of any intense trial. This Expanded Edition completes Burchett’s account of his devoted care for his wife. Here he shares additional stories and lessons learned from the time of the First Edition (2002) until Jane’s death in 2010.