For Candice Stonebraker, every conversation with a family begins the same way: with compassion.
As Director of Sales at Cedarhurst of Fort Wayne, she meets families during one of life's most emotional seasons. Adult children often arrive overwhelmed, searching for answers as they help a parent or grandparent navigate Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.
Over the years, Candice noticed something else.
While adults struggled to understand memory loss themselves, they were also trying to explain it to the youngest members of their families.
That realization planted a seed.
"I wanted to create something that was going to be impactful and something that I believe needs to be talked about more," Candice said. "So many times, when I talk with families, they often are overwhelmed and feel like they're alone on this journey of navigating how to care for a loved one that's battling Alzheimer's disease." That seed eventually blossomed into The Memory Garden, a children's book that gently helps young readers understand memory loss while celebrating a truth that never changes: love remains, even when memories fade. The story follows a young girl named Stella as she visits her grandmother, wondering if she'll remember who she is that day. When Grandma struggles to remember Stella's name, Stella lovingly reminds her of the joyful moments they've shared together—from cookies and dolls to blooming peonies.
As memories flicker, Stella becomes her grandmother's guide.
"The story explores the topic of memory loss while celebrating the bonds that never disappear," Candice said. Although becoming an author was never part of her life plan, the opportunity presented itself after she began researching how self-publishing had become more accessible.
30 CEDARHURST SENIOR LIVING | FALL FLOURISH 2026
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