Living in Silence, with a Smile

Author: R. Nadarajah An author publication

The author has written Living in Silence, with a Smile to enlighten readers about the seriousness of Alzheimer's disease. It was also to encourage people to support, in whatever way possible, the work of the Lanka Alzheimer's Foundation.

In his main story, Jothi, the youngest daughter in a family of two girls sacrificed her job to care for her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Her learning of the disease and the experience in care giving helped her to educate others whom she met, to understand what Alzheimer's disease is all about and how to cope with different and difficult situations. Her marriage to Kailash, away from home, in Australia confirmed the common belief that all sacrifices are finally rewarded.

Reality of life

Himi was one of those who learnt lessons from Jothi who helped her to understand the reality of life. It also helped her to influence her affluent parents to change their ways of life to care more for the needy; so much so that, it made Jothi, when she met them, to conclude that their way of life was different to that of others whom she knew to be lesser affluent.

Kailash's marriage to Jothi, who looked innocent in his eyes with a deep love for her mother, a victim of Alzheimer's disease, was made possible because of the freedom his parents gave him to think and do things 'his way'.

Sivapalan, the educationist, educates the people on the importance of respecting the wishes of their children and as and when necessary, be guided by their advice in the evening of their life.

Mother's love

Iris Johnson, the Immigration Inquiring Officer gives the real meaning of mother's love when she took the extra step to recommend Jothi's application for permanent stay in Australia to care for her mother. She was praying for her mother, who was 90 years old with Alzheimer's disease to stay alive so that she could see her whenever she visited her in the care home. Her mother's love remained the same whether in Australia or Sri Lanka. It was shown when both Iris and Jothi cried together over the plight of their respective mothers.

Just knowing about Alzheimer's disease is not enough. The author wants readers to feel the weight of the disease. In "The Caregiver's Diary" he puts together his own experience and the experience of other caregivers with whom he had interacted. Experience of some medical personnel and volunteers through e-mails and other communications have also been included in the diary recordings to facilitate easy flow of the story.

The book will help the reader to understand Alzheimer's disease.