In Their Hearts: Inspirational Alzheimer's Stories

This book wrote itself. I should know because I am the author. 15 years ago, I felt an impression in my heart that I should always consider being a voice for the voiceless. This book is a gathering of the wisdom I received from persons with dementia,a group of people who have become voiceless in our society. I learned that no matter what you believe, no matter what you hold true to your heart...it never goes away. Brain cells may be lost, words may be forgotten, but the soul or very core of a person remains all the way to death. By listening to persons with Alzheimer's disease, instead of telling them what to do, I am blessed to have some of the most beautiful relationships of my life. The reason this book is important is that it proves there is still a person behind the mask of dementia and that person should be treated with respect, not like a child. These are our elders and they have lived life times that they want to share in their own ways. Listen and you will be amazed by what you hear. I know I still am amazed every day. If you are looking for a book of hope about Alzheimer's disease, this is the book for you. It is a collection of short stories about 2 years of interactions between myself and my patients on an Alzheimer's unit. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Mary Margaret Britton Yearwood

What happens to old southerners when their minds begin to fade? If they're lucky, they wind up on an Alzheimer's unit where Ms. Yearwood is the chaplain. Whether you work with Alzheimer's patients, have a loved one effected by the disease, or just enjoy a good story, you will benefit from this book. I laughed, I cried...

This is a wonderful book. It is fun to read, and it also takes you gently but firmly into a place you probably thought you wanted to avoid. The magic is that, despite your fears, you will be glad you had a chance to go there (through this book), and the visit will live on in your life. I sent a copy to a family member who is a nurse working with desperately ill children. She told me she found a lot of her experiences reflected in these stories. Life. The ability to connect deeply with individuals, whether they are old or young, and bring their stories to life in words is a very great gift indeed.

Mary Margaret is one of the best persons I know. She writes beautifully, her prose reads like poetry. She's a chaplain, a soccer player, a little girl, a grown woman. She's funny and warm, and that comes through in her book. I could not recommend this book more highly, for anyone interested in the human condition, or in spirituality in general.

Besides being amazed at the rare balance of humor and wisdom being expressed by my offspring, I can distance myself to see professionally this book is a rare creation that will be cherished by the family members and those who endeavor to interpret Alzheimer's Disease. My husband is an Alzheimer's patient in a nursing home. Having heard Mary Margaret present some of these stories and talk about relating to persons with memory loss, I am able to better relate not only to her step-father but the other members of the community as I visit. Other librarians tell me the book is well received by family member who need inspiration with the hard facts of this disease.