About the Book
I've Never Loved Him More is a chronological journey into the unknown and sometimes scary, dark world of Alzheimer's disease. This book is anything but dark and scary. It is delightful, funny, and heartwarming. This is one wife's story of what it means to live out her vows, "in sickness and in health," as her husband's caregiver in his struggle with Alzheimer's disease. This story takes the reader through discovery, acceptance, adjustment, and battle against the ravages of what is often seen as a soul-crushing disease. Armed with faith, humor, and a history of spiritual victories, Candy demonstrates how she is loving her way through the mind-maze that would steal her husband of four decades.
Because one in nine older Americans has Alzheimer's disease, many spouses are thrust into roles they never anticipated. Rather than gritting her teeth and saying, "I have to do this," Candy Abbott, in her new book, I've Never Loved Him More: A Husband's Alzheimers, A Wife's Devotion, demonstrates what caregiving looks like from a perspective of "I get to do this."
I've Never Loved Him More is a chronological journey into the unknown and sometimes scary, dark world of Alzheimer's disease. Yet, this book is anything but dark and scary. It is delightful, funny, and heartwarming. According to Cindy Broschart, Alzheimer's advocate, "Candy's journey offers a vision of hope--the light in the tunnel, not at the end of the tunnel."
Writing not only from experience and the heart but also from her vital connection with God, the author tells the unvarnished, sometimes raw truth with the sincere motive of helping others in a similar situation. She shares with readers her candid journey of how the disease has changed their lives as she and her husband, Drew, continue to navigate the unknown path before them.
Nancy Rue, best-selling fiction author, says, "Like the true storyteller she is, Candy spins the funny scenes in a way that brings on the belly laughter, sometimes in the midst of tears. It's never forced. It's never inappropriate. It's just true wit born out of a cheerful spirit that cannot be daunted by even this long, trying ordeal. With her use of Scripture, Candy doesn't ask the reader to simply read the passages and have faith. Instead, she explains in a practical, concrete way how those verses work in a life being put through the refining fire. Writing truth from a place of authenticity, she speaks in simple terms to the person who is emotionally writhing, offering the benefit of her hard-won wisdom and experience without ever being condescending. She owns her mistakes as well as triumphs."
This book is also recommended for those who plan to marry. The author's story demonstrates what it means to live out those "in sickness or in health" vows. Masterfully and sincerely written, this work of the heart will leave an indelible mark on each reader.
I've Never Loved Him More will serve as a companion to a caregiver in the often overwhelming moments of care. The woman sobbing because her husband is disappearing before her very eyes will be grateful for Candy's example of strength in the midst of adversity--and her whole family will benefit as well.
Pastor Carol Svecz says, "I truly believe this book has the power to become a new standard reference for the Alzheimer's community."
About the Author :
Candy Abbott is an author, publisher, and inspirational speaker. Most of all, she considers herself a "fruitbearer" because it is her life's goal to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Candy's award-winning independent publishing company, Fruitbearer Publishing LLC (https: //www.fruitbearer.com/), was established in 1999. She founded Delmarva Christian Writers' Association (https: //www.delmarvawriters.com/). Candy lives in Georgetown, Delaware near her three children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Nancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults, teens and tweens. Explore all of her works and find something you'll love.
Review :
From the first "subtle changes" in Drew's memory which led husband and wife into the deepening journey of Alzheimer's, author Candy Abbott has dared to share an intimate view of this horrible disease. What makes their story, as presented by Mrs. Abbott, unique for me is not the open and honest sharing of details and emotions. Yes, the transparency of the disease's effect on their 40+ year marriage is a strong feature of this book. However, as a pastor and as the son of a wonderful mother who walked a similar road, I have known Alzheimer's and dementia from many perspectives. What therefore makes this book unique for me and I believe, particularly insightful for all, is the sense of hope and possibility found within its pages. While not glossing over the anger, frustration, fears and a "what if we had done this, not that" question presented early in the book, Drew's wife discovers the light which God always holds out to us within our darkest moments. Such discovery is no easy thing even for a person of deep faith. Candy's attentive sharing and obvious writing skills assure that readers too, will be blessed by their own discoveries as they enter this story of "love in the moment." -- Rev. Michael Williams, Georgetown Presbyterian Church
Perhaps one of the most difficult and heartbreaking issues I faced in more than twenty-five years in the United Methodist pastorate is the descent brought on by Alzheimer's. It is evil and insidious, totally robbing its victims of their identity. What a helpless feeling the affected, their families, and loved ones experience as they watch this scourge decimate mental awareness, memory, and social skills. "Who is this person?" is a question asked over and over. What's worse is when the loved one looks at his or her wife, husband, or children and asks repeatedly, "Who are you?" There are no cures, as yet, and only minimal medications can delay or lessen symptoms. But, take heart, folks. There is a new and encouraging resource in (my friend) Candy Abbott's new book, I've Never Loved Him More. Demonstrating an unwavering reliance on her faith and deep relationship with God, this book is an intimate portrait of the journey she and her beloved husband, Drew, are taking through their encounter with his disease. It is a missal of love written deeply from the heart and by the Spirit of God. Candy openly shares how her Lord directs them through the darkness and despair of Alzheimer's into pockets of Light. See what they have faced, along with what has worked and what has not. This book is such a gift and so refreshing. I truly believe it has the power to become a new standard reference for the Alzheimer's community. --Rev. Carol E. Svecz, Pastor/Elder, United Methodist Church
Candy Abbott writes not only from her experience and her heart but from her connection with God. What ends up on the page is amazing in its honesty, astonishing in its wisdom, and authentic in its wit--even in the midst of tears. If you love someone suffering from dementia, sit down with this book. You will stand up at the end, ready to apply Candy's soul knowledge to your own journey. I know I am. --Nancy Rue, Best-selling fiction author
