Receiving this book fills me with grief, pride, sympathy, and a sense of community all at the same time.
Before the Diagnosis is a collection of stories about those we loved and lost to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Honestly, each one is heartbreaking. But that’s the gift Gincy Hines has given the world on behalf of her late husband Steve. To take these corrosive cognitive conditions and turn them into something beautiful; testaments to the human spirit.
There’s almost a Borgesian magical realism to the fog that engulfs each chapter’s parent, partner, sibling, and friend. Loss of memory, loss of identity, and ultimately loss of life all give way to radiant appreciation.
Dolores Cannon was a hypnotherapist whose pioneering work in past life regression opened a window into consciousness from beyond the mortal plane. She relayed that dementia is chosen by souls as a means to depart gradually, so that those around them can adjust to letting go.
When Gincy invited me to write about my dad I wasn’t interested. It was too soon and too hard to put his life into a few pages. I’m glad she persisted. Her mission to raise awareness, console those in need, and donate proceeds to further research are truly admirable.
As my dad had welcomed patients to his door with a smile, devoted to curing their pains, now a version of him is here, greeting readers ready to heal.
