A Stranger in the House
A Journal of My Life Living the Last Years with My Husband’s Alzheimer’s
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This book began as a daily journal for me to start to learn, to cope and to survive the misfortunes my husband, Ron, and I had encountered. I was not prepared for this journey. I did not plan for it and I did not welcome it. I denied it, fought it, hated it, learned about it, accepted it, embraced it and eventually was even thankful for it. It took me years to move forward and it was through my writing that I learned this was not Ron’s disease - this was our disease. Journaling has taught me that I can not be all things to all people, and I am not expected to. It has taught me that I have the right to continue to laugh, to live and to embrace life in as many ways as I can. It has taught me that most of the time I am alone in this darkness and in the sadness of this loss. It has taught me to appreciate simple moments, golden nuggets I call them, and store them away in my heart forever to remember. This book can’t take away the sadness of the disease. Nor can it bring back memory to your loved one or make your life “normal” again. But it can allow you to walk out of your life and into mine where you will find ideas that may help you to come to realize what you are feeling, how you are feeling and why you are feeling is not isolated only to your life A Stranger in the House” is a journal of my reflections, my frustrations and my truths as I know them to be. It was written from the heart, learned from the mind and driven by the spirit. .
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About the Book
It was on a cold wintry day in the year 2001 that Alzheimer’s disease—unexpectedly, without warning or permission—appeared at the Reeds’ New York doorstep and made its presence known in the lives of Ron and Jacci Smith Reed. In this memoir, Jacci shares her reflections, frustrations, feelings, and truths learned during the time her husband suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Written from the heart, learned from the mind, and driven by the spirit, A Stranger in the House presents a firsthand look at how this disease affects the patient, the caregiver, the family, and friends. Begun as a daily journal to help Jacci cope, this memoir describes the challenges of daily life and provides a look at the resources she used to help her deal patiently with her husband who had become a man she didn’t recognize. Emotional and honest, A Stranger in the House gives insight into the treacherous journey experienced by the loved ones of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
About the Author
Jacci Smith Reed worked thirty-seven years for the New York State Department of Labor until retiring to become a full-time caregiver to her husband, Ron. She writes a weekly column for the Lockport Union Sun and Journal. Reed lives in Lockport, New York, and is working on her second book.