Bob Sh'mal Ellenberg

A Families Journey with Alzheimer's Disease Bob Sh'mal Ellenberg

The book is about the author and his father who had Alzheimer's Disease. Because of the author's experience with people with AD, he knew he could care of his father. There was family conflict since the author's mother did not want her husband to live to far from her. The son showed complete compassion for both this parents finally agreeing on an assisted living facility. The author discusses the many trips he took to visit his father and his mother who was still living in their condo. The author's mother was a very conflicted woman who was adamant about all she believed but sadly was obviously, at times, confused. There were many quarrels between the mother and son. After 12 months in assisted living, the author brought his father to his home. The son wanted to do his best once his father was in his home, but having three young children living with him and working full time in a hospital as a social worker; none of it was easy. The author concludes this trying, emotional, story with a trip to Denver, Colorado. Before the author leaves two women friends did a shamanic ritual with him telling him he has to visit Crestone, Colorado. This visit becomes an unexpected mystical retreat for the author that also proved to have a bonded connection with his father.