"She used to take care of her home with joy; decorating and entertaining. Now she says, "I don't remember this place." My mother is living a waking nightmare and she is medicated to keep her out of her tortured mind. Alzheimer's is a terrible disease.

He withdraws into his inner world. He used to hear music and sing. My father has lost his hearing because of strokes. He is weakened physically by heart failure but he always says, "I'll be stronger tomorrow."

Each day I let go of a part of me that has been attached to my parents...I become more of myself.

Feeling deeply and authentically the darkness of sorrow without guilt, blame, self-pity or resentment can be our doorway to the light of transformation."

Colleen Hoffman Smith