My Two Elaines
My-Two-Elaines-Alz-secure
older couple standing together
  • Home
  • About the Book
    • Read an Excerpt
  • Q&A
  • The Authors
    • About Martin
    • About Cathy
    • Elaine’s Letter
  • Reviews
  • Events
  • Media Clips
    • Photo Gallery
    • Video
  • Awards
  • Buy the Book
  • Blog
  • “If there’s one thing worse than Alzheimer’s, it’s ignorance of the disease.”  — Marty Schreiber

Alzheimer’s can’t take away Elaine’s concern for children

August 28, 2017 By Marilyn Krause

A new school year begins and I remember her love for the classroom.


As I see children return to school, I vividly remember the years that Elaine eagerly prepared for classes she taught. An early education teacher for more than 10 years, she knew how important it was for students to feel safe, secure and comfortable. Their personal and educational growth depended on giving them the best opportunity to learn and grow in mind and character.

When our now-adult children were young, Elaine wrapped them with the same sense of security and focus she did her students. It was important to her that they enjoyed the most comfortable surroundings to learn and thrive at school and at home.

Today, about 13 years into her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Elaine still worries about children. When she asks about ours, I tell her that they are at school and doing great in their classes. It puts a smile on her face and sets her at ease. By telling her that our children are secure and thriving in school, I can provide Elaine the same kind of comfort and security she did for children years ago. This is an example of “therapeutic fibbing” that I talk about in My Two Elaines.

To Elaine, school still means a place of comfort, security and safety, so she is worry-free and happy in that moment.

It’s never easy, but if she’s happy and comfortable, so am I.

###

Filed Under: Alzheimer's, students Tagged With: Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's disease, school, teacher

Invite Marty To Speak

Wisconsin Organizations

Out-of-State Organizations

Media

For Media Information Please Contact Us HERE

Follow Us!

Facebook
TWITTER
YOUTUBE

Buy the Book!

Net proceeds from the sales of My Two Elaines will be used to promote Alzheimer’s caregiver support programs.

Who Is This Book For?

- Spouses and partners of persons with Alzheimer’s
- Children of persons with Alzheimer’s
- Extended family and friends of persons with Alzheimer’s
- Extended family and friends of caregivers
- Professional caregivers for persons with Alzheimer’s
- Others who come in contact with caregivers and persons with Alzheimer’s, including: nurses, social workers, clergy, elder law attorneys, estate planning attorneys, financial advisers, human resources directors, employers, supervisors and co-workers.

Invite Marty to Speak

Wisconsin Organizations

Out-of-State Organizations

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Sign Up Now

For Email Marketing you can trust.
Facebook
TWITTER
YOUTUBE

Copyright © 2025 · Gov. Martin J. Schreiber, My Two Elaines. All rights reserved