Alzheimer’s Disease is an illness that slowly robs people of their memories. It usually effects people over 75 years old, but has been known to strike earlier. Since life expectancy is now much longer, many more people are being afflicted by the disease.
While many seniors begin having some episodes of forgetfulness, Alzheimer’s is far more serious. This malady steals the past life of people, and creates a number of serious problems for caregivers and family members.
Fame and fortune are no guarantees against this sickness. Sargent Shriver, a well-known American diplomat and the first director of the Peace Corps, suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease in his last years. His daughter, Maria Shriver, the First Lady of California, has written a comforting story of how a family reacts to this painful reality. The name of this short novel is “What’s Happening to Grandpa?”
Each weekend, Kate visits her grandparents. Her grandmother is a well-dressed woman given to having tea parties with her granddaughter. Grandpa has a very different personality. He tells stories, eats bowls of potato chips, and enjoys baseball. Kate loves both of her grandparents and looks forward to the weekly trips.
One weekend, she is surprised when her grandfather keeps repeating the same story. Shortly afterward, he has trouble remembering the names of some family members. During one visit, she sees her grandmother crying after her grandfather has a temper outburst.
The young girl is completely confused. Her grandfather is always so cordial and friendly. What has happened to him?
Kate turns to her mother with these troubling questions. Her mother holds her and tells Kate the painful news. Grandpa has a disease that will only worsen with time. Broken-hearted, Kate tries to think of something she can do. Is there any way that she can help her grandfather continue to remember some parts of their lives together? She comes up with a plan, and hopes it will work.
What does Kate do? Can she help Grandpa recognize some past family events? What does she learn about this silent, but devastating illness?
Why is it so important to love everyone every day? How does her love for her grandfather help ease the pain associated with this disease?
To find out the answers to these questions, please go to the library and check out this beautifully told story.
Maria Shriver’s father, Sargent Shriver, was a famous diplomat and politician during the Kennedy Administration. He was highly regarded by most people for his courage and integrity. Mr. Shriver blended a profound intellect and a deeply religious nature throughout his long public life.
Maria Shriver has lovingly written this touching book to help families recognize and assist people stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease. The illustrations are soft and comforting. They tell the story almost as well as the text.
At the end of the book, a number of helpful websites and resources are listed for families coping with the disease. If someone in your family has Alzheimer’s, this book could be a nonthreatening way to introduce younger children to the consequences of the disease. Maria Shriver stresses the importance of living each day as lovingly as possible. The book teaches the value people have regardless of their condition. It is a lesson we need to remember today.
