I could have gone into a deep depression when diagnosed. I could have chosen to give in to dementia. What I hope my book shows is how life can take many turnings and our attitude to challenges thrown at us, in whatever form, not only medical but life’s simple challenges – birth death, divorce…….any challenge – can determine the way our life turns out.
I chose, after realising that no one else was going to help me, to help myself and my daughters. People often forget, that every day we make decisions about the ways we live our life, and that decision – be it small or large like mine – can be the difference between sinking or swimming.
By the very nature of my book, it is about the loss of the old and the birth of the new me. What I also hope it shows to others is how relationships change in a crisis and how new friends are made but most of all, how adapting to this new world is the key to survival.
What I hope is that people will share and recommend my book to those not affected by dementia.
By sharing my book with people whose lives havn’t been touched in this way, not only are you raising awareness but even more so, you’re showing others that the path our lives take when dealing with any crisis can affect how our lives turn out.
My book was officially published in Australia on World Book Day, March 1st.
I found myself in the Sydney Morning Herald promoting my book at the weekend. I know I did it as I can hear my words but goodness knows when I did it……bloomin dementia at work again…..however, I searched my blog and what I do remember after finding it, is that he was a really kind journalist….and the article he wrote is spot on. Link below.
Which me am I today? 
You and your book were mentioned in our TV Times here in Spain! You are an international star! All the best.
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Oh my goodness! Amazing😊x
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I have just finished reading your book, Wendy, and it is such an important piece of work.
I have been helping to care for my mother-in-law who had dementia and your blog has been so helpful over the last 2 years, with so many practical and positive ideas. Reading your book and understanding your journey through life has been moving and inspiring. Thank you for all you are doing for so many of us who have been touched by this dreadful disease, you have given so much hope that life is still there to be lived. My partner is reading your book now!
You are a woman of great courage and achievement. All good wishes.
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That’s so kind, thank you Marianne😊x
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You should have asked them to fly you out there! Be a nice break from the snow.
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I think the reason it has been so widely publicised is that it tells it how it is – not a medical textbook and not frightening. Required reading for anyone affected personally or otherwise.
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Thank you Sally😊x
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Thank you Wendy for all that you do – I was diagnosed with progressive MS at 58 and find so much of what you have written in your blog and your book is of great help to me. Although there are obvious differences between dementia and MS, it is your positive approach to your changing situation that is so valuable.
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Thank you Sarah – sending virtual hugs🤗x
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I also have M.S. and find Wendy’s book relevant to many aspects of living with M.S. which I’ve had for 51 years!
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Thanks you for not giving Into Dementia,! You really are a strong amazing women and your can do attitude and coping mechanism is inspirational. If I am asked who I look up too or who is my hero, with out a doubt it is you, so thank you for keeping me focused and thankful.
Ali
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Awww that is such a nice thing to say, thank you so much😊x
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Hi Wendy
Here’s a little verse re your blog on attitude today…x Annette
We cannot change events in life
but attitude can be the knife
that cuts through endless pain
and gives us strength to live again..
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That’s lovely Annette😊x
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Hello Wendy
You know how i saw your book? As a love story; of your children, of life, of teaching, of traveling,
of tea.
I meant to say that when I wrote fter i had read it.
See you on the 14th March in York for our event.
best wishes
Barbara
________________________________
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Awww that’s a lovely way to see it Barbara, thank you😊x yes see you on the 14th!
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Your book isn’t available here in the US until June, but since we’ll be visiting the UK before then, I’ll be buying it while there. Truly looking forward to reading it. Best wishes!
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Thank you😊
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Hello Wendy ..
I first heard of you and your book on Radio 4 Extra. Book of the Week. I caught the final episode. I was blown away. Within two days I received your book from Amazon. And not too many days after that I had read and digested every word.
I am 72 years of age, my husband 74. Touch wood, so far neither of us has shown signs of dementia but who knows what is waiting for us? We did, however, take care of his Mother for sometime before she went into a home, so it has touched our lives. We did the best we could with the knowledge available at the time, but how much easier it would have been with your book alongside us.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your courage to enable us understand the desease and it’s progress.
Your book should be read by every person living in fear of dementia, diagnosed with dementia, or looking after someone with dementia (professional or otherwise).
It is the Bible of how to Live Well with the desease and how to look after someone who has it.
You and your book and your friends who have the courage to stand up and say I have dementia will change the World for the rest of us.
Thank you ..
Most Sincerely
Gail Stevens
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That’s so kind of you Gail, thank you😊
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Good morning to you Wendy,
I read your book in two days – it’s a real account of you living your life to the fullest, along with dementia.
I can relate totally to you at the beginning of this blog – you could’ve sat after diagnosis and fell into depression. Sadly this is what, I feel, my mum did. She found it hard to express any feelings to us. She didn’t have the fight in her.
She is now 65 and ‘existing’ in a care home, needing care for all aspects of her existence.
I look forward to your blog every few days to see how you are breaking boundaries, chasing and questioning ‘professionals’.
Keep going, I’m in awe of you!
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That’s so kind of you thank you😊
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I just finished reading your article in the weekend newspaper here in Australia and look forward to ordering and reading your book. I volunteer at a Social Club for seniors where a number of the attendees have various forms and stages of dementia. I really enjoy my time with them and look forward to gaining insights from your own experience. You are so positive and upbeat. I’ll be following your blog. Take care 😊 P.S I love all your emojis.
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Thank you ☺️
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YES, YES, YES…it is so MUCH more than a book about dementia. It is about being HUMAN, living within certain limitations. You take us on a very descriptive journey, how to spot signs of a foggy day, and take care of yourself not to panic and to give yourself time, and make life a little easier to manage. At times you seem to have developed a pin sharp awareness and sensitivity of other’s and your own emotions and reactions, maybe more so than other people. I do not have dementia, but you have helped me see how I can have a better understanding of my own mind, have more compassion, and helped me see how I can help people with dementia. Thanks, Nick
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That’s so kind of you, thank you ☺️
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