Fading Into Focus

Nothing strains family relationships like Alzheimer's. As her mother begins her descent into dementia, Joan Kantor must assume a challenging role. Layers of past and present become a complicated reality that she must untangle for both of them.

"Fading into Focus" is Kantor's unique memoir of their relationship told through a collection of over fifty poems. Through the flexibility of verse, Kantor dips into different moments and memories, offering raw insights into her frustration, guilt, and confusion as she struggles to understand who her mother is and how that knowledge affects her as a daughter.

At its heart, Kantor's poetry is painfully honest. Rather than tiptoe around past hurts, she reveals that forgiveness doesn't forget but is instead a choice to value love more than justice. These poems-an encouraging read for anyone caring for a loved one suffering from dementia or dealing with a challenging relationship-offer a foundational hope that frees you to consider your own situation with new, compassionate eyes and experience the peace that accompanies a life of grace.