Going Home: A Journey with Dementia is David Bredbenner’s story of his mother's journey with dementia. When BJ Bredbenner, a successful artist, wonderful wife, and amazing mother, fell while out jogging, it changed everything, not just for her but for her family too. She appeared to recover quite quickly, but it was the start of something that would lead to heartbreak. Long before she was diagnosed with dementia, BJ’s family started to notice strange things about her and her behavior, and, added to a string of tragedies, it made life very difficult for them. This was the start of one of the most difficult journeys in life, a journey that would only get harder as her family had to watch her change from a bubbly woman who loved life to the full into a stranger whose personality was the complete opposite. This is also a story of hope.

Wow! Going Home by David Bredbenner is one of the most powerful books I’ve ever had the honor of reading. Written from the heart, it is his story of the difficulties and infinite sadness of watching a loved parent turn from a loving person into a comparative stranger. Dementia is a terrible disease, perhaps more so for those around the person with it. Facing this with my mum now, this book was incredibly helpful for me, and it made me realize that, despite the darkness we’re facing, we have to find whatever brightness and happiness we can and grab it with both hands. It is an inspiration to read of other people’s struggles with this, and the poetry throughout the story was a nice touch, providing a small amount of light in a hard story filled with pain and sadness. It’s not easy to care for someone with dementia, but this book will give hope to the many people facing those tough decisions now. This book also highlights the failings of the healthcare system, not just for those with dementia but for caregivers, too. I applaud David Bredbenner for sharing his story with us and highly recommend this book to anyone facing the same thing now. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

There are fears of all kinds. Fear of death, loneliness, failure, uncertainty, and rejection are just a few, but they can all be neatly packaged in one word—dementia. Going Home by David R. Bredbenner is a heartfelt tribute to his mother's struggle. Bredbenner describes his mother as “extremely well-read, articulate, and unceasing in her pursuit of learning.” To top it off, Betty Jane ran five miles a day beyond her 79th year! Not exactly the type of person most think of when they hear the word dementia. But without warning dementia happened. It tested, threatened, and finally expanded the depth of familial love. Witness the journey.

Most of Going Home centers around David R. Bredbenner’s mother’s struggle with dementia. But it also serves as a biography, painting a vivid picture of Betty Jane's life before the disease took its toll. He begins with details about her early and married life. These details are not minor as they allow the reader to connect with Betty Jane as a kind individual and make it easy for the reader to feel empathy for her and sympathy for her family. The heartfelt descriptions quicken the heart and make this story a fast-paced read. Kudos to Bredbenner for sharing a very personal experience in a way that honors his mother yet is honest and open. The story is a mix of highs and lows, capturing themes of family, grit, and resilience. The poems are thoughtful and tender and enhance the story. This is an ideal read for anyone with aging parents.