Bob Wahl

Love Never Ends Bob Wahl

For anyone who would like to know what happens to a beautiful, vibrant person who becomes afflicted by dementia, or to what those who love such a person will endure as the disease progresses, Bob Wahl's book, Love Never Ends is a well-conceptualized and written resource. The book well describes a couple's initial bewilderment by the unusual things a victim gradually begins to do and say, the unusual "accidents" that begin to happen, the things that begin to demand an extraordinary amount of understanding, love, care, patience, and time from the primary caregivers along with all of their other responsibilities. This only becomes more intense and stressful as the disease worsens. The gradual recognition that things are only going to become that is so disheartening-seeing their loved one gradually become immobile, unable to communicate verbally, unable to feed themselves, etc. All this is described vividly in Bob's revealing, empathetic yet wrenching account. The toll this takes on loved ones-especially the spouse-the shattered plans and dreams, the anguish of witnessing the continuing decline tends to be emotionally, psychologically, physically, and spiritually devastating. Bob's account is especially helpful on what helped him most on the spiritual level. Though he questioned God at times, he nonetheless persisted in his belief in Him, realizing from Scripture that was absolutely necessary for being able to expect His help. Because of that conviction, he continued to go to Him in prayer; and because of that, vital help often came. As he put it, after some desperate praying, he "sensed an easing of the weight, a dawning grace... that gave new strength and courage." Bob's account also provides considerable insight into what has occurred in his life since Beverley's death. It is remarkable how he has survived emotionally, psychologically, physically, and spiritually and bounced back from his ordeal. This seems to me to be eloquent evidence that with God's help a person can come through severe trials with their sense of understanding and well being intact. Through it all, Bob hung on to the Bible's promise (ll Corinthians 12:9) that God's grace would be sufficient for those who trust Him--including him. Some evidence which Bob provides shows that it has been. In addition to providing much useful information about dementia, Bob's book is a wonderful account of how God brought one of His children through a horrendous test. I congratulate him on making the effort to write the book. It means that many others may now be helped by it.. Dr. Cliff Maier, Retired Emeritus Professor, Northern Michigan University 1968-1993.