Finding My Smile: Alzheimer's, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and Redemption in the Face of Life's Difficulties

My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1987.  She passed away 10 years later, but to us she died long before her physical death.  I know many of you have experienced similar family struggles.  Unfortunately, this disease has only been under the microscope of research for a couple of decades, even though it was first "discovered" in 1901 by Dr. Alzheimer. 

When my grandmother was diagnosed, I began researching for myself.  What causes this disease?  How can family help their loved one?  What treatments are available?  Then, the answers to all three questions were vague at best.  Today, we know so much more, but are still at a loss as to prevent or cure.  Through that research, I began journaling the struggles and progress we faced with her from onset to death.  It was my therapy.  Years later, I saw such joy and humor in my notes.  Don't get me wrong.  I did not laugh at her.  I realized that her joy and humor in life were not voided by the disease; we just had to find other ways to help her find those moments herself.

Four years ago I was introduced to a young woman with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).  Her life was, and still is, riddled with ups and downs.  She struggles each day with choices of right and wrong, good and bad, addictions, and goals in life.  After delving further into this disease, I was mortified to learn that over 40,000 children are born in the USA each year with FAS.  This is, of course, totally preventable. 

Thus, a passion began brewing in my heart and mind.  I'm a teacher by trade, a writer by hobby.  I spend my days with 6th graders, teaching them how to write.  Three years ago these passions began colliding in my journaling until the day I formulated an idea for a book, which was released in February, titled Finding My Smile.  Through the story, a young FAS woman in foster care befriends an elderly Alzheimer's patient.  The focus of the novel is forgiveness, growth, and finding your God-given potential in spite of life's difficulties.

Many of my fondest memories of my grandmother, before and after her disease, are included in the story.  Numerous connections between a young woman and an elderly patient, both with incurable diseases, seemed like the perfect combination for a novel designed to give others the same hope I found through the course of events. 

Writing a novel is not an easy undertaking, but I can tell you it was the most therapeutic and joyous time for me.  I often felt as if I were simply the keyboardist while God poured the story into my heart and soul.  I believe this story will touch the life of any aged reader.  If you would like to find out more about the book, or to purchase your own copy, go to:  www.findingmysmile.com.

Links to bookstores and other informative sites are all included on that webiste.  Or, you are welcome to email me personally at boxofrocks@sbcglobal.net.