“The relationship between a mother and daughter is one of the most complicated and meaningful there is. Kimberly Williams-Paisley writes about her own with grace, truth, and beauty as she shares her journey back to her mother in the wake of a devastating illness.” —Brooke ShieldsMany know Kimberly Williams-Paisley as the bride in the popular Steve Martin remakes of the Father of the Bride movies, … of the Bride movies, the calculating Peggy Kenter on Nashville, or the wife of country music artist, Brad Paisley. But behind the scenes, Kim was dealing with a tragic secret: her mother, Linda, was suffering from a rare form of dementia that slowly crippled her ability to talk, write and eventually recognize people in her own family.
Where the Light Gets In tells the full story of Linda’s illness—called primary progressive aphasia—from her early-onset diagnosis at the age of 62 through the present day. Kim draws a candid picture of the ways her family reacted for better and worse, and how she, her father and two siblings educated themselves, tried to let go of shame and secrecy, made mistakes, and found unexpected humor and grace in the midst of suffering.
Ultimately the bonds of family were strengthened, and Kim learned ways to love and accept the woman her mother became. With a moving foreword by actor and advocate Michael J. Fox, Where the Light Gets In is a heartwarming tribute to the often fragile yet unbreakable relationships we have with our mothers.
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Every care-giver or close family member should read this. I am the primary responsible person for my wife of 64 years in a memory care facility, the best in this region. A local home health/Hospice group assists. This book will help you understand some of the obstacles you will face.
This is the true and very heartbreaking stories of one families journey with a form of dementia that robs their mother of words, communication and memories.
Would be helpful for anyone dealing with someone they love who’s diminishing in this way
As someone with Alzheimer’s I highly recommend it.
Learned a lot about aging and dementia.
Oh my….I needed to read this, and finished it while helping my mom fulfill a bucket list trip. I recommend it to anyone with a parent who is having memory issues. It made me cry, it made me scared for my mom’s future, but overall it showed me we aren’t alone in this. It was heartfelt and realistic, and I really appreciate her writing this!
Well written and insightful.
I really enjoyed this book as I read it in one day. There are so many phases and kinds of Dementia, each one robbing the patient and family.
Her book was very informative and included several resources for different dementia diseases.
God help each person and family effected.
Well done. Tells the story of her mother’s dementia honestly and with affection.
So nice d of the family to share their story. Inspirational to hear how their family came together to take care of her mom.
I could relate well to this book as my mother now has dementia also.
This book gave me a new outlook on memory care and how the family deals with it. Kim is honest in what they did and what they would do differently.
A good book for anyone looking after someone with dementia.
I was so moved with this tragic story. Please read this if you have been or expect to be a caregiver for someone you love.
With so many families dealing with family members that have dementia, this was a book that, while not easy to read, was hard to put down.
I appreciate and admire the author for taking the time to write it. It’s very well written and informative.
Stunning book which portrays a family coping with a relative in declining health and how they came together to provide care and love.
Heart warming account of dealing with dementia.
, an ever increasing health issue today.
What an inspirational and honest memoir! Very helpful. Highly recommended and could be very helpful and healing to families with family members who have Alzheimer’s or similar debilitating conditions.
Kimberly Williams tells the story of her mother’s battle with dementia. Kimberly is a movies star and the wife of the country music star Brad Paisley. The story tells how it affects the entire family and can be found in any family. Kimberly describes very accurately the highs and lows of trying to take care of a loved one. It also tells the story of the loving spouse who faces years of fighting this battle.
Most people who think of dementia think of Alzheimer’s. This book educated me about another type of rare dementia, primary progressive aphasia. This book is the story of the author’s mother, and the family dynamics which occurred through her mother’s illness. This is a wonderful read.