Former Policeman and current Fireman, at the age of 52 learns that he is in the first stages of Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease. In this book Charles shares how he prepared himself and his family for his impending decline. He takes the reader on a journey through his past as he dissects the build-up to this earth shattering moment He searches through pivotal moments in his past for insight to the first signs of his disease, possible contributions to his current illness, and how these events aided him in dealing with what he now must face—that he will lose control over his mind, and that the people he loves the most will witness it.
This book offers inspiration to those living with AD, other various long-term ailments, caring for a challenging person, and humans who recognize and finds encouragement in knowing that everyone struggles in life—some even struggle with dialing a long-distance phone number.
I have been reluctant to read books of doom and gloom and was glad to find that this is not one of those books. Reading this book made me more sensitive to all the other strugglers and uplifted by their determination. I did learn a lot about how Alzheimer’s disease affects those with the disease. But it is not just a story about Alzheimer’s; it’s a story about overcoming the many obstacles in life.
At fifty two years old, Charles Schnieder’s career in public safety ended rather abruptly. A tenacious individual always ready to stand against injustice and oppression. Schnieder is a man who lived by wit, grit and determination that allowed him to back commitment to justice, even when he seemingly stood alone in them. Now he’s faced into a battle for his very own life, or worse, his mind. His previous battles now seem dwarfed by the magnitude of his present attacker. Realizing that his assets of wit, grit and determination may diminish, as Alzheimer’s Disease attack his mind, he appeals for strength from his Soul and through his faith. He is determined to be as productive as possible.
A native of St. Louis, Mo, happily married with 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren. His present desire is to continue to make memories with his family, encourage others, and promote better understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease by writing and publicly speaking as long as he is capable. He may be contacted at charley3rd@Yahoo.com