Mamadoll (A Daughter's Adventure in Caregiving)

Mamadoll begins as many stories like this do; there is an incident that occurs to change things forever. The family tries to "make do" and ends up searching for a nursing home. Family cooperation and help from the facility enable Barbara to enjoy a life worth living. She travels by train with her daughter to visit her sister in New Mexico and eagerly participates in her granddaughter's wedding. She undergoes cataract surgery in both eyes and participates in weekly singalongs with other residents. She maintains her stylish grooming and never forsakes her daily make-up routine. Routinely she enjoys nature surrounding the area in which she lives. During this time she and her daughter deal with regulations financial challenges and physical issues like old teeth. Visits from grandchildren and seasonal celebrations add variety and quality of life in the nursing home. This book doesn't ignore the toll of physical illness and dementia but shows that adversity can be dealt with. In the end death comes to Barbara almost as a friend enabling those left behind to recall and celebrate her life well lived.