I want to share with you something a little different this month.  I want to celebrate the life of Geraldine Morine; You will always be in my heart and on the cover of my book, ‘Cracking the Dementia Code’.

This is also a thank you to those amazing people who have struggled with dementia, and who taught us (professional & family caregivers), so much about their disease and about the care they need.

Dawn Thomas was my first recreation manager at a care home where I was once employed for several years in Cornwall, Ontario. We clicked well and became good friends. I will never forget the warmest hug I received from Dawn’s mother Geraldine, when she came for a visit to Ontario from Nova Scotia.  I will also never forget the time I was encouraged to take a therapeutic long-weekend trip away to the East Coast to stay with Geraldine back in 2004. She was instrumental in helping me through that difficult time in my life.

When Geraldine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease back in early 2011, shortly after Dawn started writing a column in the local Digby newspaper about her experiences and journey of caring for her mom.

Through Dawn’s words so many families learned about the common struggle on both ends, for the person with the disease and the caregiver, who would put every effort in to make that person feel loved and well cared for.

I have wonderful memories of Geraldine, and she will always be very special to me.   As mentioned, she will always be in my heart and on the cover of my book, ‘Cracking the Dementia Code’.  I’m grateful for what I’ve been taught by both her and Dawn. I commend them for their courage and bravery to come forward and share their stories with the world. Thank you!

May caregivers for those with dementia never feel alone.  For those who want to also share their stories, know that you are welcome to share with us by emailing: info@DementiaSolutions.ca

Warm regards,

Karen 🙂

Karen Tyrell, CDP, CPCA
Personalized Dementia Solutions

www.DementiaSolutions.ca