The Pact

My Rock: Tabitha by Pat Simmons is a Christian contemporary read surrounding love, God and Alzheimer’s. It is the first book in the Caregivers series.

Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease, robbing us of our loved ones bit by bit. Occasionally we glimpse the person they once were but Alzheimer’s “is hard to watch.” We grieve for what we have lost even though physically the person is still there.

My Rock: Tabitha is an emotional read. The three sisters have a pact to care for their aunt. It is too much for one person to shoulder. The sisters give “not out of a sense of duty, but… of… enduring love.” Many memories were formed in the past as the sisters all had a close bond with their aunt. Her mind may be failing but the love remains.

The novel also deals with the subject of black inequality. Years ago education was segregated. Black women fought for equality alongside men. It is sad to see the decline in the health of a pioneer.

God calls each and every one of us. He does not want our left-over’s. He does not want just part of us. He wants our all. ” ‘What more do You want from me?’… ‘You. I want you.’ ”

We all need a network of support when we are caregivers. We need empathy and someone to look out for us or we will pour ourselves out and there will be no one to fill us up.”

In spite of the subject matter My Rock: Tabitha is not a gloomy read. There were some very light hearted moments. It is a powerful read that will play with your emotions and tug at your heart. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the subsequent books.

I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON