Unraveling the Mysteries of Dementia: Robert Kolker’s Deep Dive into Love, Loss, and the Vanishing Family
R.K.: Our families are all so portable now. In my family, when we have zooms, they’re international. Genetics and genealogy may be what is left to bind many of us. That gives everyone a choice they might not have had a few generations ago. We can decide what family ties are important to us in a way we never have before. This family’s story, meanwhile, is about people who recommit to one another under the most trying circumstances possible. I found it inspiring.
L.L: Let’s return to the beginning of this story — as you tell it — in The Vanishing Family. Barb is the last child at home after her eight siblings have left for college and careers. Her mother, once very ‘on top of things,’ slim, and capable, has fallen into a state of disarray. She’s watching a lot of television, seems withdrawn and depressed. She’s uncaring. She’s only in her forties, so what could possibly be happening? Barb feels compelled to start an investigation…but it takes time for the other siblings to agree. Can you walk us through some of those early moments with Barb and her mother?
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