Customer Reviews

Mirrored Lives: Aging Children and Elderly Parents

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Looking into a mirror can be devastating. Koch unflinchingly turns not only his father's face and his own to the mirror, but the eyes and heart of the reader.

I discovered this book in a display at my library for Grandparent's Day. As I reached for it, tears rushed from my eyes and part of me froze. I didn't want to think about this. Who does? But the time was fast upon me. I had an appointment with a geriatrician scheduled for my dad at that point. His clinical eyes (not unexpectedly) mirrored back Alzheimer's. Reading this book gave me a wise and gentle hand to hold throughout what I know is only the start of a long hard passage. Not only does Koch provide useful information, he allows you to share his journey from the inside with candor. Could I be moved to violence by the demands of care giving? Could you? Could we all? He not only lets us face that worst case scenario vicariously, he gives us alternatives to help us plan for the best case.

You need to read this book before you are likely to think you need to. If the title applies to your life, the contents do. The less you want to read it, the more you probably need to look into the mirror of this book. Perhaps if Don Quixote had prepared for a battle with the Knight of Mirrors he would not have been vanquished.

Those who need this book most will have the least time to read it. Make the time. If you read it a page a night during your 36 hour day, you will benefit.

This is a book we all need to read. Someday all of us will be involved in this situation. It is a love/hate read. If you are dealing with an elderly parent who needs "help" you realize how big and serious the situation may become. You also realize that one day you may be in this exact situation. The thought is very frightening!