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REVIEWS

practices” that easily mirrors the curriculum for a number for the caregiver as well. As she accompanies her mother
of spiritual direction training programs (10). Further, they through a ten-year trek through Alzheimer’s, she looks
state that “there is no effective way to teach contemplative through the lens of spiritual practice and deepening rela-
practices without practicing them yourself” (67). Later tionship with wise and compassionate eyes. The book’s
they caution that the educator’s contemplative practices, foreword reveals our usual view of the disease, one col-
even if part of a personal spiritual path, should be framed ored with unbearable loss and increasing isolation: “If we
“in a spirit of inquiry rather than faith” (69). In a similar cannot think, who are we? If we cannot remember, who
way, we as spiritual directors remain respectful of cultural are we? ... How could I be faithful and loving to someone
diversity and open to beliefs unlike our own. I loved who no longer recognized me?” (xiv).
This book is a reminder to spiritual directors and oth- Angelica’s moving personal account weaves its way
ers who value inner work not to take our contemplative through medical research, vivid stories, helpful sug-
practices for granted. We can do much to support con- gestions for caregivers, and the potential for spiritual
templative exercises in higher education transformation. It will forever change the
by encouraging spirituality in a wider reader’s perception of this dreaded disease.
arena than our own spiritual direction Studies have shown that most people fear
setting, by affirming the benefits of work- Alzheimer’s more than death. Far from
ing with a mentor, and by offering to Pollyanna-ish, the book does not diminish
accompany students and teachers on their the reality of the grief and suffering that
journeys of inner discovery. ■ accompany the condition.
Mary Campbell Wright is an ordained Though chock full of medical facts, fig-
minister endorsed for specialized ministry ures, and references, the book’s emphasis
and board certified as a professional hospital on the author’s personal experience creates
chaplain. She is a spiritual director, and she a narrative flow that reads almost like a
completed a two-year program at the Benedict novel. Using her training in improvisational
Inn in Beech Grove, Indiana, USA. She drama, Angelica creatively finds ways to
earned a master of divinity degree and a doctor help her mother feel understood and heard
of ministry degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Christian with dignity. During a visit, Angela shares this creative shift
Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Mary also in approach: “‘There was a man here,’ [her mother] said.
leads workshops on weaving as spiritual practice and is a certi- He came to the door and told me that my father said he
fied Weaving a Life© leader. She may be reached at mwright@ could spend the night here. I don’t know where he should
cts.edu. sleep. ‘Well,’ I replied, pausing to accept this as valid and
to consider the next logical thing to say. ‘Let’s look at the
Where Two Worlds Touch: A Spiritual possibilities.’ Then we walked through the house and
Journey Through Alzheimer’s Disease discussed various options … and finally decided that our
by Jade C. Angelica guest could sleep on the sofa bed in the living room. A gra-
Boston, MA: Skinner House, 2014 cious hostess, Mom collected sheets and blankets and a pil-
335 pages, CAD$17.98, GBP£11.99, low, which she gently laid on the sofa. I suggested we wait
USD$16.00 to make up the bed until later. After Mom went to bed that
Reviewed by Linda Douty night, I put everything away. The next afternoon, Mom
Dementia, decline, despair. These are the words one came to me with a man’s white shirt, nicely ironed and on
normally uses to describe the condition of persons a hanger. ‘That man must have left this behind,’ she said. I
afflicted with the disease of Alzheimer’s. But that isn’t the had no idea who owned this shirt, but I said, ‘I’m sure he’ll
case with this author! In Where Two Worlds Touch, Jade C. be back for it. Let’s hang it in the closet so it doesn’t get
Angelica chronicles a different journey—one of surpris- wrinkled.’ This we did, and that was the last I heard about
ing hope and transformation, not only for the patient but my grandfather’s mysterious friend” (26).

64 Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction