My Husband's Keeper

This book is my journey after receiving my husband's diagnosis of Alzheimer's/Dementia. Writing and rereading this book a hundred times, allowed me to see for the first time, the strength that lay within me while I experienced being a married women losing a spouse to this illness. My husband's occupation was an ophthalmologist while being on the board of director's over ten years for one of the largest HMO's in the country. I share my experiences with other caregivers in this same position. Working as a State Certified Ombudsman in long term care facilities allowed me to first-hand witness the paralysis family members experience after receiving this diagnosis and living with the consequences of the illness.

This book is my journey after receiving my husband's diagnosis of Alzheimer's/Dementia. I am sharing my own story to inspire others who are embracing grief while navigating through their own whirlwind journey of a loved ones diagnosis. I never gave myself credit for something I did not know I had, resiliency. Writing this book gave me the inspiration to share my story in an effort to help other caregivers paralyzed by the diagnosis of their loved one. Working as a State Certified Ombudsman in long term care facilities allowed me to witness many caregivers wondering what to do with this unknown situation and feeling 'stuck'. It is not easy when your spouse of almost 50 years has been a successful Ophthalmologist, and on the Board of Director's for ten yeas of one of the largest HMO's in the country. A power house decision maker who now cannot complete a simply task. My own experience can show the different options available and that you can move forward to make life changing decisions for both of you.

This is her third book published. She is a retired attorney who has given back to the community in various capacities. After retiring she worked with the Red Cross in disaster preparedness and public speaking, MADD (Mother's against drunk driving) on the speakers bureau, Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, as an interpretative guide, a docent at Mission San Luis Obispo. She is an artist and has shown her works in Laguna Beach Festivals and many other venues. She still maintains her passion for the arts, and world travels. Michele is a State Certified Ombudsman working on the central coast of California. So many people she has worked with in long term care facilities appear paralyzed after a family member's diagnosis of Alzheimer/Dementia. These are life changing decisions that are the most difficult and challenging to make. Writing this book gave her the inspiration to share her own journey with others in an effort to help them in their decision making following this diagnosis.