Losing Mom

<p>Author Cynthia Ryan offers a heartfelt glimpse into the experience of losing a parent to Alzheimer's disease. She shares the realities and heartbreak of her mother's experience one that was both enhanced and complicated by their complex mother-daughter relationship and family dynamics.</p> <p>Shy and distant but also independent her mother didn't often find joy in the roles of wife and mother. The trials of a scarred childhood marked by poverty and an alcoholic father made true happiness elusive for her mother. On Christmas Eve of 2000 Cynthia started to see noticeable changes in her mother. A devoted grandmother she had never forgotten to buy presents for one of her grandchildren-until that day. What's more she spent the day pouting because the family was celebrating Christmas one day early. Over the coming months her behavior grew increasingly erratic and forgetful; she became agitated more and more easily. Cynthia finally took her mother to the doctor where everyone's worst fears were confirmed: Alzheimer's.</p> <p>In this memoir Cynthia shares their journey of understanding forgiveness blessings healing and renewed love. She celebrates her mother's life even as it spiraled out of her control.</p>