Two years after his wife, Jane, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Robert McAllister began a journal, closely documenting the course of Jane's illness, and all that transpired between them. He wrote faithfully for Jane's sake and for his own, always committed to deepening his understanding of the disease and to talking openly with Jane about what was happening. He promised not only to be her sole caretaker till the end, but always to be at her side to help her sort out Alzheimer's devastating consequences from the "essential Jane" who was the love of his life and complete companion for over fifty years. Robert was 92 at the time of Jane's death and the completion of his journal. His graceful writing, emotional honesty, and ability to convey the transformative power of their love and their abiding faith in God makes this book stand as one of the most powerful additions to the Alzheimer's literature.

Two years after his wife, Jane, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Robert McAllister began a journal, closely documenting the course of Jane's illness, and all that transpired between them. He wrote faithfully for Jane's sake and for his own, always committed to deepening his understanding of the disease and to talking openly with Jane about what was happening. He promised not only to be her sole caretaker till the end, but always to be at her side to help her sort out Alzheimer's devastating consequences from the "essential Jane" who was the love of his life and complete companion for over fifty years. Robert was 92 at the time of Jane's death and the completion of his journal. His graceful writing, emotional honesty, and ability to convey the transformative power of their love and their abiding faith in God makes this book stand as one of the most powerful additions to the Alzheimer's literature.

The author's premise is that "most of us are capable of managing our own lives and making appropriate decisions" if we have proper information and encouragement. Doctor McAllister ably meets the task of providing both. His work clarifies how feelings originate and the role they play in daily life. Emotional responses are presented not as observed by others but as experienced within the individual. These moving forces of behavior are examined in separate chapters dealing with the child, the adolescent, the adult, and the elder. Case studies bring life to the text and are presented with sensitivity, honesty, and compassion. The book includes an insightful critique of the current state of therapy with thought-provoking comments clarifying issues relating to therapy and spirituality. Doctor McAllister writes in a welcoming and simple manner about complex issues which are of interest to everyone. This is not a self-help book; he presents no slogans, no lists, no promises. But it is a book which will give readers an understanding of "the driving forces of human nature." It is a treasure chest of information about emotional responses "for all seasons" from birth to death. The "mystery" of emotional life is dispelled by knowledge, and the "madness" of emotions is dispelled by timely treatment. The author has provided a book which moves both remedies forward.