Buffalo Lockjaw – Is Like Dessert to Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Buffalo Lockjaw – Is Like Dessert to Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Novel by Greg Ames
Review by Lori La Bey of Senior Lifestyle Trends
When Greg asked me if I would be willing to review his Novel Buffalo Lockjaw I told him, “Sure I would love to. I would be honored to.” When I received the book in the mail, I had every intent on completing my promise without issue. Little did I know I would not want to finish the book not because I didn’t like the book, but because I didn’t want my experience to end with it.
I looked forward to picking the book up to see what I would find, just looking at the cover made me smile. What thoughts, observations, and questions did his character James, wrestle with? What robbed him of sleep and tore at his heart? What made him smile and feel content at the end of a day?
As a Caregiver for my Mother with Alzheimer’s, I know all too well how difficult it can be to talk about the disease. How it affects your life, your heart, your mind, your relationships. Buffalo Lockjaw gave me comfort, a private world of solace from my own journey with Alzheimer’s. It gave me a safe place to smile, laugh, and cry. James understands the disruption in a caregiver’s life. James gets it. He knows my thoughts, my hopes, my dreams, and my most haunting nightmares. The similarities are incredible. James sees the bizarre and undeniable behavior changes. He sees the glimmers of hope and the brief connections others miss. James love for his Mother is undivided, yet spinning in turmoil.
Last week I felt compelled to call Greg and explain why I had not written my review of his book. It was in that moment, I realized my selfish behavior was holding others back from feeling the same sense of community I felt with his novel. It was time for me to put my own needs aside and finish reading Buffalo Lockjaw. It was time for me to help spread the word about this unique and insightful novel. As a Caregiver, Speaker, and Trainer on the topic of Alzheimer’s disease I feel it is my duty to share great resources with people in need. Buffalo Lockjaw may be a novel at heart, but it will resonate with Alzheimer’s Caregivers. My copy is full of bent pages and highlights earmarking profound statements and observations which can only come from a person who has journeyed the disease, broken through the gates of denial, and found the ability to slow down while around those affected by Alzheimer’s.
It was a great privilege to read Greg Ames Novel Buffalo Lockjaw. It is one of a few books I will not give away as I know I will be going back for a slice of dessert now and then. When I am feeling alone and isolated, I will find comfort in Jame’s soul. When I need to know someone else understands my dilemmas and my struggles as an Alzheimer’s caregiver, Buffalo Lockjaw will be there for me.
Thank you Greg Ames. Your book was a true gift to me on many levels. I can only hope Oprah’s Book Club gets ahold of your Novel!
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