Author copes with mother’s Alzheimer’s in book

It can be hard to cope when loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

An Upper Peninsula resident decided to write a book about his mother who suffered with the disease for over three years.

Hi Mom.  It’s Me is a book written by Jim LaJoie where he shares life lessons he learned from his mother and how he coped with her Alzheimer’s Disease.

LaJoie started writing the book only a short time after she passed away.

“When she died, it was somewhat therapeutic for me just to write the experiences I had, with my mom, and to maybe help other people who are going through Alzheimer’s,” LaJoie said.  “The book really evolved into more about the life lessons that my mother taught me.”

“It was a labor of love, I enjoyed doing it.  I hope the stories will inspire other people who are dealing with Alzheimer’s in their life.”

LaJoie said for people who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it is important to remember that they are still a loved one.

“They may not know your name, they may not recognize you, but I guarantee if you spend time with them, hold their hand…that they know there’s a loving presence in their life.  And for me, that’s what I hung onto.”

Hi Mom.  It’s Me is sold at Snowbound Books in Marquette and on amazon.com.