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Christina Larson holds a Master’s degree in Psychology, undergraduate degrees in Religious Studies and Paramedics, graduate work at St. Thomas University, and post-grad at Columbia University. Chris served as the first female paramedic in her county, a crisis counselor, program coordinator for people with disabilities, and award-winning forest steward to Shoal Sanctuary Nature Preserve.
Her lectures include Life and Death in the Balance at Chautauqua, Planetary Patriotism in Nürnberg, and Overcoming Civic Apathy for an APA Convention. She and her husband cared for 145 foster children. Chris was a delegate at the “Mothers of the Earth” summit in Vienna promoting children’s rights. A board member for Catholic Charities, Military Toxics Project, and League of Women Voters, she was also liaison for a Nobel Peace laureate, a Foster Parent Association President, National League of American Pen Women member, a kindergarten and university teacher, and an AmeriCorps volunteer.
Chris is the middle child of Rosemary and primary caregiver during her mother's dementia years. Rosemary, Now & Then--on quality living with dementia, end-of-life surprised, and afterlife intrigue based on near-death experiences--is recipient of an International Firebird Awards Honor, National Literary Titan Gold Award, Indie Reader Discovery Award, and NIEA Excellence Award Finalist.
Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite
Rosemary, Now and Then by Christina Larson is a moving and honest memoir about caring for a mother with dementia. The narrative follows Rosemary, a lively and creative woman, as she faces the challenges of multiple strokes and memory loss. Her daughter, Chris, a retired paramedic, becomes her main caregiver. Together, they go through the ups and downs of daily life, filled with both heartbreak and laughter. The book blends memories from the past with present-day caregiving, showing how Rosemary’s spirit and humor shine through, even as her mind changes. Larson shares the struggles and momentous joys of looking after someone with dementia, painting a picture of love, loss, and the strange, beautiful moments that come at the end of life. Not your conventional memoir; Rosemary is multi-dimensional with first-person dementia excursions, time/space challenges, and near-death experiences.
Christina Larson’s writing is clear, warm, and deeply personal. The narrative moves at a gentle pace, balancing emotional scenes with lighter moments that make the story feel real and relatable. I liked how the author included both scientific facts and spiritual reflections, giving the memoir extra depth. The people, especially Rosemary, are described with care and honesty, making them easy to connect with. Themes of family, acceptance, and the mystery of life and death are woven throughout the book. Reading this memoir made me reflect on my relationship with my grandmother and the meaning of caring for loved ones. Larson’s mix of humor and wisdom adds comfort, even in the hardest moments. Rosemary, Now and Then is a thoughtful and inspiring read for anyone touched by dementia or interested in stories about family and resilience.
