Author Gene Guerreno learned about the terrible progression of Alzheimer's disease as it claimed her sister and her husband. It was while nursing her ailing sister that she discovered there were few outlets through which the overburdened caregiver of the Alzheimer's patient could vent feelings of resentment, frustration and simple weariness. As a form of self-therapy she looked inward and began to express her complex feelings of sadness, isolation, loss and bitterness, along with a desire for courage, strength and patience in poetry.
'Love Meets Alzheimer's' is a compelling collection of verse and prose expressly written to be shared by families who are feeling the impact of this devastating disease. These lyrically eloquent pieces candidly reveal the conflicting emotions the caregiver will experience through the anguished realization that a beloved face has become a mask disguising a stranger. There are poignant prayers for tolerance, treasured moments of laughter, and recognition for the extreme sacrifices made by caregivers. This deeply felt, insightful collection of poetry offers comfort and inspiration to those who will recognize their own situation in Gene Guerreno's compassionate words.
About the Author
Gene Guerreno is a retired medical secretary and church school instructor who began writing while caring for her sister and her late husband, Charles, through their battles with Alzheimer's disease. A resident of Tucson, Arizona, she is a member of the Arizona State Poetry Society and is frequently invited to share her work by support groups and church organizations.
