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Title: The Long Hello

Author: Cathie Borrie

Publishing Date: January 6, 2015

About the Book

The Long Hello explores the emotional rewards and challenges Cathie Borrie experienced in caring for her mother while she was living with Alzheimer’s disease. Delighted by the things her mother would say, Cathie decided to tape their conversations. She then wrote down their exchanges, weaving in childhood memories, along with reflections on her struggle to maintain her own life during the seven years she spent caring for her mother. The Long Hello reveals how caregiving creates an opportunity to experience rewarding change in a relationship, providing time, amidst the difficulties of illness, for joy, innocence, and profound intimacy to flourish.

Written in sparse, beautiful prose, largely in dialogue form, The Long Hello exquisitely captures the intricacies and nuances of a daughter’s relationship with her mother.

My Review

I’ve had some experience dealing with Alzheimer’s disease with my great-grandmother, grandfather and my beloved, Grandma June, all passing away from the disease. The Long Hello is a memoir written by Cathie Borrie about the years she took care of her mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. I was expecting this book to be really sad and wondered if it would bring back depressing thoughts about my own grandma dealing with this awful disease. I know it was my grandma’s worst nightmare to get Alzheimer’s. She watched her sister struggle through it and she prayed it wouldn’t happen to her.

Instead, I found this book to be more of a celebration of life and Cathie’s strong bond with her mother, despite her disease. I found Cathie to be incredibly selfless. She put her mother first and took care of her needs. I can only hope that if I am ever sick that I have a caregiver like Cathie around to stay with me throughout.

Cathie spent most of her time with her mom, tending to her needs and just being there for her. They had long conversations and much of them didn’t make sense to me. However, the odd time, you’d see a flash of wisdom and profound insight from Cathie’s mom.

I also really enjoyed the flashbacks into Cathie’s past. We are taken through her vivid memories of her brother’s death, her time at boarding school, her relationship with her new dad and more. They were woven perfectly into the book and helped me to better understand both Cathie and her mother’s relationship.

My heart went out to childhood Cathie after her brother’s tragic death and when I saw her longing to leave boarding school just to be home with her family.

The Long Hello is a quick read; It’s written almost all in dialogue with short paragraphs. I read it in a matter of two sittings. Once I got into it, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s a beautiful, moving memoir and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to read it.

Watch the trailer and find out where to buy The Long Hello by Cathie Borrie.