Even though my mother's body did not die from the stroke, a huge piece of her was suddenly erased, like footprints rubbed from the shore by a quick tide. And yet, an essential piece remained. Her joy, her love of natural beauty, and her delight in music stayed with her until the end.

"Kim Fowler tells stories of love, pain, and emotional healing that followed her mother's massive stroke. She reports her parents' anguish and her own. She also finds the meaning and reward in their struggle and comes out of it a stronger and more realized person. A valuable resource for anyone caring for failing elders."--David Spero, RN, author of The Inn by the Healing Path: Stories on the Road to Wellness

"In extremely compelling words and very personal terms, Kim Fowler conveys the story of her family's journey to assist her mother during her developing condition of dementia. While Kim's story is at once unique it also is one that so many families across the country and the world now must face. In telling her tale, Kim brings significant light to the concerns of a daughter now faced with the new role of caretaker for her parent. Kim's is a touching and moving account."--Harry J. Elam, Jr., Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education, Stanford University