MOUNT GREENWOOD — Patricia McClure watched her mother slowly deteriorate with Alzheimer's for a decade before she died on Christmas Day in 2004.
McClure documented her mother's struggle from her unique perspective as caretaker in her book titled, "Losing a Hero to Alzheimer's: The Story of Pearl." The self-published book ($11.95, WestBowPress) debuted Sept. 1.
The author will sign copies of her 108-page narrative from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences at 3857 W. 111th St. in Mount Greenwood.
"It's harder on the caregiver than the patient," McClure said of the disease.
Ann Shirley McClure goes by Pearl in her daughter's book. She was born on Dec. 26, 1934 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 62 — though she showed signs of the disease for several years before, McClure said.
McClure was living with her parents in Englewood when her mother first began displaying symptoms of Alzheimer's. Most of her family members were in denial, perhaps none more so than her father.
"My family never quite came to grips," said McClure, who has worked in the health care industry for 21 years. She's currently employed at a child psychiatric facility in northwest suburban Streamwood and also works as an adjunct college instructor online.
McClure moved into a home with her husband, Eric Chessier, in July 1999. The newlyweds were in their house only a month before McClure's mother joined them in need of care. She stayed there for three years.
"I was going through this process with very limited support," she said.
The lessons learned while caring for her mother serve as the backbone for the book. Small things like removing the knobs from the stove to larger lessons like the importance of a daily routine are all documented, McClure said.
She recalled one particular quirk her mother had while shopping. Ann McClure would always buy cups, filling the pantry with more cups than the family could possibly use. McClure was growing frustrated until she realized that the purchases were somehow therapeutic.
"At first, I used to get upset," said McClure, adding that there's also a spiritual component to her book.
McClure eventually moved her mother into a nursing home as she and her husband could no longer provide the level of care necessary while also working full time. Readers are taken along on the journey as McClure documents the various stages of Alzheimer's and how she coped.
One of the most difficult struggles with the disease was the mean-spirited things her mother would sometimes say to her daughter and caretaker.
"I had to learn you can't take things personal," she said.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
