Walking One Another Home: Moments of Grace and Possibility in the Midst of Alzheimer's [Hardcover]

Rita Bresnahan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2003

In "Walking One Another Home", the author traces the spiritual and emotional meaning that emerged in the lives of both herself and her mother during their visits together in a Midwest nursing home. She came to see that both she and her mother were on a pilgrimage. The result was this sensitive, hopeful book, which challenges stereotypes about Alzheimer's disease and deftly shifts the emphasis from fear and horror to love and possibility. Unlike many other books about this heart-rending disease, this book focuses not on what is absent in the experience but on what is present and possible. Readers who have a loved one with Alzheimer's will be inspired to enrich their relationships by responding to the Spirit during visits. The author offers concrete and practical suggestions for staying in the present, being aware, and allowing oneself to be compassionate and playful.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rita Bresnahan has been an educator and a psychotherapist for over thirty years. She has a B.A. in Education(with a minor in theology) from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa: a Master's in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois; and a PH.D. in Psychology from the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. Through further study at the University of Washington's Geriatric Education Center, she earned a Certificate of Study in Aging. Rita has worked extensively with the issues of aging people and their caregivers and has led more than 100 workshops on "Aging as a Spiritual Journey" in a variety of settings. Rita has lived in Seattle, Washington, for twenty years, where the spirit of the great Northwest is a constant teacher and companion.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 156 pages
• Publisher: Liguori Publications; 1 edition (May 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764809369
• ISBN-13: 978-0764809361
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,593,358 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gifts received in the Midst of Pain, August 16, 2003

By 

Page Campbell (Lynnwood, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking One Another Home: Moments of Grace and Possibility in the Midst of Alzheimer's (Hardcover)

Walking One Another Home is a book not only for people dealing with Alzheimers in their family, but for everyone who has to walk a loved one home. Rita's openness in sharing her feelings on this pilgrimage, are not only touching but so very honest. It is in sharing her frustrations, and consequent revelations gained, that the author helps the reader learn how to let go of past and be present and aware of the gifts offered, often unknowingly, by their loved one. This book is a must for those who are caring for dying loved ones, for those whose loved ones have already passed and are struggling to make sense out of their loss, and for all of us whose parents are aging and soon will find ourselves walking this journey.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Walking My Own Mother Home, September 25, 2005

By 

Joe "Joe" (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking One Another Home: Moments of Grace and Possibility in the Midst of Alzheimer's (Hardcover)

I cannot tell you how much this book has helped me. My own mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four months ago. It's almost eerie how some of the author's own experiences mirror mine as well. I gave the book to my sister and brother who are with me "waking mother home." My sister read it all the first night I gave it to her. She cried through most of it, but it helped her and us so much. Thank you, Rita Bresnahan!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you have a loved one with ALZ, you need this book, January 8, 2012

By 

Susannah - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking One Another Home: Moments of Grace and Possibility in the Midst of Alzheimer's (Hardcover)

I want to thank the author, Rita Bresnahan, for writing this timely, sensitive, compassionate account of "walking" with a loved one through the the journey of this dreaded disease. All of us know people who have been touched directly or indirectly by it. In my case it has been a friend, mothers of friends, and spouses of friends.

It's the little things in the writing that really make an impact -- the shared 'knowing' which comes from experiencing the journey first-hand. I feel certain that this book has been exceedingly helpful and supportive to those fortunate enough to have read it. It is the kind of book one goes back to as a reminder.

After reading it, I immediately lent it to a friend whose husband has Alzheimer's. I'm sure it will help her in her grieving process as well as her day-to-day visits with her husband. I can imagine that people in this situation stop mid-page and cry and cry. But this is what they need - it lessens their burden and provides some release. God forbid, I should ever develop this dread disease, but if I did, I'd definitely want my children to read this book. ... it would be a godsend to all of us.