Better conversations with loved ones with cognitive loss

I can ’t express how much of a blessing your book, “I Was Thinking ” has been. We brought my Dad “home ” from Florida in May and while he is probably suffering more from his journey to life’s end than the dementia they first diagnosed him with, your book prepared me for the conversations – and lack of conversations I would have the past 5 months. I don ’t know how much longer the Lord is going to allow Dad to spend with us, but knowing more about this journey has been invaluable. Keep up the great work and thank you for bringing your message to WLMB.

 If you’ve been TOLEDOfrightened and struggled, as I have, with an aging parent who was always the brightest star on the horizon and had to watch him fade, then this is the book you’ve been waiting for. I know. I used Diana’s techniques during many long distance calls and visits that I had with my Dad as he began to slip in his 90’s. The answers to how to reach out and make that connection are here.

 !I want to let you know what a positive impact you've made on our family. I recently purchased your book for my father-in-law. Please take a moment to see his comments regarding his experience with your book and trying to "reach" his wife who suffers from dementia. Your willingness to share your wisdom has helped more than words can express. Excerpt from the forwarded email: The best part of my days with mom, is reading and also injecting my own stories around those written by Diana Waugh’s, I Was Thinking. Your contribution of supplying this Booklet with a note from Diana has always brought back Carol’s fond family memories over the past number of months. Our daily theatrical adventure of fun and laughter is her best cognitive therapy. 

 I want to thank you with all of my heart, for my sharing your magnificent video, and book on Dementia. So wonderful that you took the time, to share with the world, what you learned through taking care of your mom. So much valuable information, suggestions, solutions in layman terms. Diana I watched your video and ordered your book. Within one week our lives have changed. The sun has come out. I have put into practice what you recommend. I thank God that I came across your video. It is not easy, but I am doing it. We have peace back in our lives everyday. I remember your approach of living in their reality, not ours, it works. Once again I want to thank you. May God continue to bless your special work 

Your book was so helpful - in talking with the compromised aged. I read it and gave to my husband, and his sister who was living with their aging out mom (to be 96 this Aug, with early stages dementia). Bottom line, your book was able to BEGIN the process of understanding their mother as a person with serious unmet needs. But the point is, Diana, YOUR book stimulated the whole process, its gave us a "professional" view that allowed true assessment of Mary Elizabeth's needs, which I could see as a psych nurse, but her daughter and my husband (a Harvard psychiatrist) could not "see". That helpful wall of denial which helps us cope sometimes, also needs a "door" to open to those realities needing to be recognized - and your book was that door! It allowed all the family to be able to "talk about" realities without feeling we were diminishing her; that her creeping dementia was a problem which was/is discussable and did not mean a person loses their true personhood. Thanks for authoring this wonderful book!

 Understanding...practical...insightful information that can be used immediately. Would have been helpful in my own family. It will make a difference for many. Carry on!