"I never would have thought I would become an author," she said. "When I started doing research on how accessible it is nowadays to be a self- publishing author, I knew I wanted that to be my next project." Within a month, Candice had written the manuscript, worked with an editor, collaborated with an illustrator to bring the story to life, and published the book through Amazon.
"At the end of the day, I want to help people," Candice said. "I want to help families feel less alone because the journey of Alzheimer's and dementia is not meant to be gone through alone. People need education, support and resources on this subject, which I hope this book will provide."
The response has affirmed that message.
Residents, families, coworkers and readers have shared emotional reactions after reading the story, with many saying they wished they had a resource like this when their own loved one was living with dementia. Several teachers have already added The Memory Garden to their classroom libraries and invited Candice to read the story to students. She's also working with local libraries, bookstores and the Alzheimer's Association to help more families discover the book. For Candice, those opportunities represent something much bigger than becoming a published author. They represent another way to continue doing what she loves most: helping families feel supported, understood and never alone. As she reminds families every day at Cedarhurst, even when memories become harder to hold onto, love has a remarkable way of finding its way home.
But writing a children's book wasn't simply about checking something off her bucket list.
It was about filling a need she had witnessed firsthand.
"Writing a children's book was the direction I wanted to go because this is such a hard topic to discuss and navigate for adults, let alone a child," she said. "I thought a children's book could be the perfect opportunity for the child and their adults to learn how to navigate this situation together."
Her hope is that children who read The Memory Garden feel comforted rather than confused.
"I hope young readers will feel less alone and empowered after reading this book," Candice said. "Alzheimer's and dementia affect the entire family, so I wanted to create a story that covers this topic in an educational and empowering way." She also hopes parents, grandparents and caregivers find a valuable resource they can share together. "My goal is for this story to be a great resource for families trying to explain what's happening to the child's grandparent who is facing memory loss."
Scan to learn more or order your copy of The Memory Garden.
One page holds a particularly special meaning for Candice.
When Stella gently tells her grandmother, "Even if you forget, I'll help you remember," it perfectly captures the message she hopes every family takes away.
Scan to watch Candice discuss The Memory Garden on WANE15's Positively Fort Wayne.
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