Well, what can I say? I’m overwhelmed with feelings after reading Lynn Scott’s “A Joyful Encounter, My Mother, My Alzheimer Clients, and Me.” Her memoir brought up passion and emotion in me about my Alzheimer’s afflicted mother on so many levels that I know will stay with me forever. It’s hard to describe or even fully recognize this gamut of feelings that came over me when reading this collection of short, true tales written in Scott’s honest, lyrical prose as she interacts with her Alzheimer clients, all the while discovering realities about her relationship with her long deceased mother.

Scott gently, but powerfully, leads readers into the hearts and minds of this frequently fearful, heartbreakingly confused, sometimes hilarious, often enchanting, but mostly misunderstood group of elders who have love to give, and, let’s not forget, an innate need to receive love – even if you think they aren’t aware that you are there.

This book should be read by every man, woman, and teenager, whether or not one has interactions with folks diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. There is so much humanity and understanding of the human spirit woven into Scott’s stories that the confines of disease are transcended. Her wisdom, lessons, and insights into the power of healing when love is expressed span all kinds of interpersonal relationships.

I wish I’d had this Joyful Encounter as my coach and companion during the poignant final three years I spent with my mother as her caregiver prior to her death eleven years ago. Scott’s book made me laugh, cry, and wish I could have my mother back for just a day, even one more hour.

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