Outskirts Press, INC.

A year and a half from diagnosis to death. A blink of an eye or an eternity. Lewy Body Dementia inflicted its insidious symptoms, slowly, then suddenly as the author could do nothing to stem its progression.

The grief journey can be a lonely one, especially if it is embarked upon without a large base of support. Much has already been written about the need to not rush the process of grief. The author has chosen to share her grief journey, partly to unburden herself, but equally, to offer strength to others. In the case of losing a loved one to Lewy Body Dementia, the grief journey becomes what has often been termed, “a long goodbye.” It is a painful process watching one’s loved one succumb to the insidious symptoms this particular disease exacts. As much as one attempts to slow the progression of the disease through medication and therapy, the end itself is unavoidable. As much as one involves oneself in the care of a loved one, the end can still startle and leave the caregiver bereft. This is what happened here. Ms. Abrams takes the reader along on her journey with the hope of bringing to light how eventually, one can find the strength to endure.