“…experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture
Stories can transform a reader’s life!
I am honoured by such beautiful and encouraging words — You warm my heart! 💖
It means a lot to me that you took time to share your thoughts. – Thank you! ~jas
READERS SAY
“Is There Any Ice Cream?” ……&…… “Did You Hide the Cookies?”
Taken from various emails, online reviews, phone call comments, letters, and social media comments.
Thank you all. ~jas
“…She puts her heart and soul on every page.”
~K. Long, caregiver, Alberta
“In “Did You Hide the Cookies?” Judith shows us what a deep well of compassion looks like and what is demanded of this compassion and love when you are a caregiver. She walks you through her personal minefield of helping someone with a disease that can’t be pinned down, can’t be predicted and can’t be understood.
Then she flips the coin and gets very real about the toll this role takes on the caregiver, offering herself as her model. She beautifully and painfully captures the unseen anguish and exhaustion of a caregiver.
“You will learn from “Did You Hide the Cookies?” and you will identify and be validated in your own experiences with memory diseases.
“My Love.” This is how Judith identifies and talks about her partner who has Alzheimer’s. I have heard that ‘love’ and remaining ‘in love’ is a conscious act.
Judith reaffirms her love not only by calling her partner “My Love”, but by invoking that relationship and that emotion even in the midst of the hardest events and feelings.” ~ Robby Henes, a daughter and a caregiver
“…so stunningly beautiful. I was compelled to bump it ahead of the other books I’m currently reading. Can’t wait to read the rest of your story in Book Two. You are one strong resilient human…” ~Genevieve Whitmire Burda, former Trustee with Western Carolina University
“Your journey, as I’m reading, seems to parallel mine in some ways, and I’m so impressed how gently and compassionately you tell yours, and your loved one’s story. I especially loved how you handled relationships within your circle, and outside your role as caregiver. I love that you continually express concern for other caregivers, and offer helpful suggestions, while not comparing your struggles. You’re my hero!” ~ Donna Beaver, caregiver, Nova Scotia
“As I read, I feel we are talking. I am asking questions that you are answering. I have a friend who also will benefit from reading about your life of caring. By the way, the U.S. paperback I received is definitely a “large print” easy to read book with better spacing than most large-print books.” ~ Ruth A Hopkins, PhD, Adult Learning Specialist who believes “questions matter.”
“I pray you know how special your talent is..to put your thoughts and experience into words so well that others may feel like I did. That they aren’t alone…and that someone else understands.” ~ Facebook reader comment
“I have just become a caregiver and a friend gave me your book thinking it would help me with my confusion. I found it informative, insightful, and more emotional than I anticipated. Thank you for sharing your life with such honesty …” ~ E. Pattison, caregiver,
“… an intimate view of the author’s life as a caregiver: the challenges, joys and emotions. Shone’s detailed recollections make you feel like you are there with her in the moment, learning to accept what life throws our way with love and compassion. A thought provoking and enriching read.” ~ Amazon reader
“Judith writes such an honest account of caring for her loved one, sharing how activities like art and music can help not only the one being cared for–but the carer as well–cope with the challenges faced after a #dementia diagnosis.” ~ Vicki Tapia, author, Somebody Stole My Iron
“…I can relate to so many things you’ve gone through. For example, my wife sometimes doesn’t believe I’m her husband and asks me when I’m going to leave. It helps me to know other people are experiencing the same thing…it’s comforting. I’m looking forward to reading your next book.” ~ George Salter, Spouse -caregiver
“Judy, I wanted you to know I bought your book “Is There Any Ice Cream?“. You were right, our journeys were different yet the same. When I was done reading it I actually felt better about how I did as a caregiver to my husband. When you realize others journeys are so similar and can compare and find that we had the same thoughts, issues and ideas I felt like I did OK. Great book. I will recommend to others.” ~Carol B.K. – Caregiver for spouse
“Your book is a “must read” for all facing the care of a family member with age-related mental challenges! My husband still participates in his volunteer activities and the drugs seem to be helping, but your book helped me to realize that we need a PLAN. I’m not good with surprises.” ~Sally T.
“This book offers an intimate view of the author’s life as a caregiver: challenges, joys, and emotions. Shone’s detailed recollections make you feel like you are there and with her in the moment, learning to accept what life throws our way with love and compassion. A thought provoking and enriching read.” ~Amazon reader
“Judy, I have read and reread Is There Any Ice Cream? Very moving!! Your words impacted me because I have family members who have experienced this issue.” ~ Larry L. Burda, caregiver and friendly support for caregivers.
“I’ve finished your first book. Overall I think you have produced a very helpful tool for people who are becoming caregivers. And you are exemplary as a caregiver. The way you approached it with a search for knowledge, and then the dedication you showed in supporting “MyLove” with all the activities you participated in are really impressive. The threatening situation you described toward the end of the book must have been truly terrifying. What a strong person you are. I’ll now start on book 2.”
~ C.Novak, MD
“Essential Reading for All Caregivers. I read this book because I was interested in knowing the path that Judy’s life had taken her since our days as high school classmates. I always knew that she had the qualities for being a ‘best friend’ (because she was!) but I had no idea she could express those same qualities–courage, knowledge, and humor–through her writing. If you are caring for someone with serious health issues, and you need someone who understands your ordeal and how to survive it, get this book and keep it on your nightstand. You’ll discover it’s the best friend you could have.” ~ Robert Conrow, author & editor, high school friend of author.
“An insightful look at how caregiving impacts the emotional and physical health of the caregiver. This offers a glimpse into the real life struggles of Alzheimer’s patients and their loved ones.” ~Suzy Cohen, Amazon review
“Your book, “Is There Any Ice Cream?” was loaned to me during the last year (of 8) I cared for my Mom with Alzheimer’s. I kept my promise to her by keeping her home … and your book kept me sane on many a difficult day … “ ~ A.Richter., caregiver
“My mother-in-law just finished reading your book. She read the entire book… …today! She loved it.” ~R.W.A.
“I have read your first book “Is There Any Ice Cream?” and highly recommend it! I look forward to your second book “Did You Hide The Cookies?” I could relate to so much in the book! It took away some of the quilt I feel realizing others thought the same way. It also gave me great ideas for situations that may come in our future as we travel down this horrible road of dementia. Thank you for the book and your blog.” ~Eileen, Ontario
“Written with such insight and compassion about the day-to-day trials & joys!”
~AuthorWeek
“… reading your book broke my heart. Thank you so much for your honesty, for telling the hard truth, for shedding a light on what our culture doesn’t want to see or talk about or know. I so appreciate you for all that it took for you to live every experience you described and didn’t describe, to write the book, get it published, and share it with the world. I honor you for continuing to live in such integrity. You and your book are a gift! I look forward to the day I can read the next one 😊 with love, appreciation, and admiration 😘😍💕” ~Betsy H.A.
“. . .Very well written, and [I] found out how much we have in common. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and am anxiously awaiting the author’s second book!” ~ M.Meile, Kindle reader, Colorado, US
“Finished your book at 5:00 AM this morning! It was so interesting. Thanks for sharing your journey. May God bless and give you strength to continue.” ~Kathryn, Judy’s childhood babysitter
“. . .you write from such a powerful yet vulnerable point of view as a caregiver to your loved one.”
~ Jean Lee, author, Alzheimer’s Daughter
“I truly thought you were writing about my husband! So many similarities. It was uncanny to feel you had been watching through our windows because you knew exactly what had happened and how I felt!” ~ Jan, caregiver for husband British Columbia
“I have just finished reading “Is There Any Ice Cream? “and would recommend it to anyone, whether they are in a caregiver position at the moment or not. It has excellent information on the services available and the need to get involved as soon as possible in group activities. I must thank Judy for writing this book and sharing her experiences, as I know it could not have been an easy journey. The book is also an eye opener for everyone on the devastating effects of memory loss and illness. It is truly inspirational!” ~Teri Nicholson Carruthers
“Thank you for sharing your life of caring. 😊 I found quite a bit that seemed like the same path we’ve been on – I cried in some places because you were going through some of the same things. I hope other caregivers find your book!“ ~ Facebook reader comment
“I am grateful for this book and the many stories shared by the author. She gives me perspectives on my own situation and ways of being a caregiver. We don’t have to walk this path alone.” ~ Amazon.com Reader
THANK YOU!!
I still wish to connect, to share what I can with you.
I have one more book to complete this story, but it will take time
since My Love recently left this world … I miss him terribly.
🕊🙏
As you are reaching out to share what the books meant to you,
please know I am here if you have questions.
Bless ALL caregivers!!
💝🥰
© Judith Allen Shone 2019-2023
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