I Didn't Sign Up for This . . .: One Dementia Caregiver's Personal Story and How She Survived, Paperback

Brutally honest about her feelings when life dealt her husband the greatest setback one can imagine-a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's-Mary Monroe lamented, "I didn't sign up for this " All her dreams of living her "golden years" with her husband of forty years disappeared, and a new "normal" had to be established. After living in a caregiving role for over six years, Monroe shares the lessons and tips she learned to survive-and even thrive-as a caregiver to a loved one with dementia. You'll enjoy the frank and revealing way Monroe looks at every aspect of being a caregiver, even approaching "taboo topics," rarely discussed. Her tips, tricks, and strategies will give you hope and encouragement to reflect and journal about your own journey, helping you make the best out of a situation no one would wish on their worst enemy

Mary A. Monroe has been a published author since 2005, with her celebrated series of books for teens, including Miracle at Monty Middle School (Spanish version Milagro en la Escuela Monty), Krazy White Girl, Tagger, and Tagger Theater/Screenplay version. She also wrote her mother's biography/narrative, Henrietta, The Story of My Life. When her husband was just beginning to realize his disease, he told her, "You're going to write a book about me," and she did. After wondering how she ever would survive supporting her husband through his devastating diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's, she now shares her personal story and lessons-learned for other caregivers in need of hope and encouragement. A devoted mother, grandmother and Language Arts teacher for 22 years, Monroe lives in Lake Worth, Florida. She has her Masters in reading, is Palm Beach County's Teacher of the Year for 2012, and is an event speaker.