THIS MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED TO MY LOVELY WIFE, MARIA C. BERNASCONE.

I must admit that writing this is not an easy task for me. I have been madly in love with her since 1961. You don't forget the love you've held in your heart for 49 years. Not a day goes by that she is not on my mind. Naturally, if she's in my heart, she'll always be on my mind.
After a 10 to 11 year battle with Alzheimer's, and a 7 year battle with a stroke, she passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 18, 2009. I feel that was the day God decided to take her into His arms and relieve her of all the pain and misery she must have been going through.
During the entire time she was ill, I have NEVER left her side. I was still working at the time, and her care was handled by home health aides and her two daughters that took turns caring for her while I was at work. After work, I would always be at her side.
No one really knows the pain and heartache I've been through. I've always kept a low profile as I didn't want to burden others with what I was dealing with. I also had promised her that she would never go to a nursing home. If worse came to worse, I would gladly care for her myself.
Well, five years ago was when I finally retired from the work force and took my wife home with me where she rightfully belongs.
During that period of time, I took a lot of flak from those who know absolutely nothing about being a care giver. I'm refering to her daughters Jo Ann and Connie, and the youngest son Angelo who has an IQ of 80.
They tried to tell me and my aides how to care for my wife. You know, those of us who are care givers have a couple of sage sayings. One is, "Unless you've walked a mile in my shoes, there is nothing you can tell me." Another one is, "Those that complain the most are usually the ones that do the least."
No one, and I mean no one could ever do what I've done for her in all these years.

Send Donations To:
Alzheimer's Association
In Memory Of Maria C. Bernascone
225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601-7633