Cynthia Fantasia - In the Lingering Light: Courage and Hope for the Alzheimers Caregiver

Alzheimers and other forms of dementia are expected to triple in the next thirty years. While prevention and recovery strategies can help those afflicted at various stages, who cares for the caregivers? This book will help any caregiver navigate their new normal so that everyone involved in the caregiving process feels equipped, nurtured, and up for the task. Highly recommended.

DR. DANIEL G. AMEN, founder of the Amen Clinics for brain health, author of Memory Rescue

I must admit that I was reluctant to read In the Lingering Light: Courage and Hope for the Alzheimers Caregiver. Why read a book I hope I never need? I am very thankful, though, that I overcame my hesitancy and met Cynthia Fantasiaand her husband, Boband accompanied her on her journey through this devastating disease. I was immediately drawn into her story and was challenged by her transparency and faith. While her insights and lessons are an indispensable resource for those who must walk this difficult path, her words encourage and equip the rest of us to support and care for those who are caregivers. Thank you, Cynthia, for your gift, not only to the Alzheimers world but also to the body of Christ.

CYNTHIA HEALD, author of Becoming a Woman of Excellence and The Faithful Way

Theres nothing easy about caring for a loved one with Alzheimers disease, but Cynthia Fantasia demonstrates that you can do more than just get by. God longs to sustain you with grace and faith. Readers will find hope and encouragement within these pages.

JIM DALY, president of Focus on the Family

In the Lingering Light is a helpful read for anyone called to walk a difficult path. Cynthia Fantasias tender and honest journey with God ministers grace and truth for lifes most challenging times.

JEAN FLEMING, author of Pursue the Intentional Life

In the Lingering Light is one of those books everyone should have in their toolbox. At some point, we all will deal with Alzheimers or one of the many forms of dementia that afflict our human frames. Having a wonderful guide who has walked the journey is a precious gift. Cynthia Fantasia is just such a guide. Shes a naturally gifted communicator who speaks from personal experience and gently leads us through the process of saying good-bye to someone we love while they still live.

JAN SILVIOUS, author of Courage for the Unknown Season

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In the Lingering Light: Courage and Hope for the Alzheimers Caregiver

Copyright 2019 by Cynthia Fantasia. All rights reserved.

A NavPress resource published in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version,NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Some of the anecdotal illustrations in this book are true to life and are included with the permission of the persons involved. All other illustrations are composites of real situations, and any resemblance to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

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ISBN 978-1-63146-911-4

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This book is dedicated to my grandchildren:

Ryan, Nick, Avery, Tatum, and Natalie,

in whom Bobs legacy lives on.

I AM HONORED to introduce the author of this remarkable book. Cynthia Fantasia is my friend, and soon she will be yours, as you read this very personal disclosure of what happens when a marriage and a family are hit by the terrible blow called Alzheimers.

Cynthia and I have been friends for more than forty years. Once upon a time, we raised our families in the same neighborhood. Within our church family, we participated in leadership of the womens ministry. I observed Cynthia steadily growing in all areas of leading others because she was so teachable herself.

I enjoyed watching (and applauding) as Cynthia became a speaker at womens events all over the United States. Her depth, honesty, vulnerability, and humor drew women in large numbers to hear her speak about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

Then, very suddenly, this wonderful ministry momentum was interrupted with the discovery that her husband, Bob, had been stricken with Alzheimers. Cynthia had to deal with the question: Will the things Ive been talking about to women work in my own personal experience?

The answer that followed? Absolutely!

Those of us who were in touch with Cynthia and Bob during those years were astonished at the faith, strength of character, and empathy that arose in Cynthia for her husband as he slowly declined into dementia. The simple truth is this: Cynthia loved her husband well.

In this book, Cynthia is painfully honest and, at the same time, very practical. She makes it possible for readers to learn how to live through the scourge of Alzheimers with courage, stamina, and faith.

Throughout the book, Cynthia clearly reminds readers that Jesus lingering light is always ready to break through the clouds in our lives. Readers will also pick up on the authors great concern for traps along the Alzheimers journey, as the spouse becomes more and more the primary caregiver. She speaks openly about the isolation and fatigue that come as the illness reaches its worst stages. Her willingness to unzip her soul is what makes reading this book so helpful. Her insights speak to emotional and spiritual-health issues that arise every day. Andthis is so significantshe highlights the importance of supportive friends and family for remaining resilient.