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Congratulations to our friend and colleague, Kanu (KC) Mehta on the publication of his new book.
"My Journey with Sumi"
KC writes . . .
In 2013, at the age of 59, my wife was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease. Sumi and I had been happily married for over 40 years but other than brief times of normal sickness I had little experience in caregiving. As a former engineering executive at Chrysler, my problem-solving analytical mind hoped for a misdiagnosis. But as I researched the disease by reading every book I could find, I came to accept Sumi’s situation.
I, eventually, turned to soul searching and reflection to get us both through the first three years of our Journey. At first I wanted to change Sumi, but I learned that instead I needed to change myself to best meet Sumi’s needs.
I first wrote formally about Sumi’s disease in 2015. With the encouragement of my family and friends, I continue to write a journal called My Journey with Sumi on WhatsApp. It allows me to channel my emotions, document the changes we go through, and share glimpses of our lives with others. I write “in the moment” to help process my emotions without dwelling on them. I find it therapeutic.
These essays document the emotional turbulence I went through during the initial phases of Sumi’s disease and how I came to emotional acceptance and management through research and reflection.
I share this book to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, reduce the stigma associated with it, and help others in similar situations find solace.
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