Marilyn Raichle’s Don’t Walk Away is a touching memoir and guide, chronicling her experiences caring for her mother as she navigates life with dementia. The book vividly explores the unexpected joys, the heartbreak, and the growth that come from staying present through the ups and downs of caregiving. Raichle’s narrative combines personal anecdotes with her mother’s artwork, illuminating a deep and hopeful perspective on living with dementia. At its heart, it’s a love letter to a woman who defied stereotypes about the disease by embracing creativity, humor, and connection.

Reading this book was a deeply emotional journey for me, especially as someone with a mother living with dementia. The writing felt raw and personal. Raichle doesn’t shy away from admitting her initial reluctance and struggles as a caregiver. Her transformation begins with her mother’s unexpected discovery of painting in an Elderwise class. I was captivated when Raichle described the vibrant, imaginative artwork her mother created. Paintings like “The Orange Meanie,” which brought her family joy, also offered a window into her mother’s thoughts and feelings when words failed. These moments made me reflect on how I might better interpret my mom’s nonverbal expressions.

Raichle’s ability to find joy in the small things resonated deeply. Her depiction of Scrabble games and their shared humor was particularly touching. There’s a scene where her mother, despite often forgetting basic words, managed to play “quiet” on a triple word score, surprising everyone. This mix of nostalgia, frustration, and laughter feels like my own caregiving experience. Her mother’s persistent humor and curiosity shine through in moments like joking about her age or imagining a future cruise with her late husband. These scenes remind us that even in loss, the essence of our loved ones remains.

I also appreciated how Raichle challenges societal narratives about dementia. She shares her frustration with the common view of Alzheimer’s as a life void of dignity and value. Her mother’s continued engagement in her assisted living community, forming friendships with “The Ladies of Assisted Living,” paints a different picture. For example, Raichle beautifully recounts her mother’s bonding with Phyllis over spontaneous singing sessions, a scene that left me both teary-eyed and inspired to nurture my mother’s remaining interests.

This book is not just for caregivers but also for anyone who wants to better understand life with dementia. It’s hopeful without glossing over the hard parts, offering reassurance to those just starting their caregiving journey and recognition for those who are deep in it. Raichle’s reflections, paired with her mother’s beautiful artwork, make Don’t Walk Away a unique and uplifting read.

Pages: 178 | ASIN: B0DCBMQNDB