In 2008, I faced the reality that my father might forget me. Alzheimer’s left no hope that I could control that. Refusing to live without hope, I set a desire. He may not remember who I am but he will always remember we love each other. It changed the way I cared for him and resulted in the most precious and rewarding time of my life.

When he died in 2010, I was able to celebrate Dad while he buoyed my heart. Eight months later I was devastated by the death of my husband/business partner. Unlike my father, Barry was absent from my heart. I felt abandoned, angry and numb. It was like an uncontrolled lifetime of pain came rushing forward to torture my...