Overview

The Bells lived a comfortable life until late in 2018 when Sid was notified by his company, Swenson's Custom Draperies, that it was closing its doors forever. Although Sid knew for months the writing was on the wall, he was still angry and shocked when it happened. His wife, Peg, had not worked outside their home during their married life. She was busy raising their two sons, Chad and Todd, running their household in an efficient manner and volunteering for various non-profits. When the news broke, Peg was worried she would have to find a job. In addition to coping with the stress surrounding the loss of his job, Sid notices subtle changes in his wife's behavior. An excellent cook and baker, she begins to leave out essential ingredients in a recipe. When she makes a pie for her bridge group, she forgets to add sugar. When Peg realizes what happened, she is frustrated and anxious. She begins to misplace items and forgets where they are. Initially, the changes in Peg's behavior are minor, and Sid and Peg attribute them to their stressful lives. However, as the months progress, he notices more changes in his wife. Peg, herself, wonders what is happening to her. This is a story about the stresses of being unemployed and confronting a relentless disease. Sid encounters agism as he tries to find a new job. While he is trying hard to keep them on a financial steady ground, he is also taking care of his wife who is exhibiting signs of dementia. Sid learns coping mechanisms to help him be an effective caregiver, which he finds is even more difficult than being unemployed. He spends hours on the internet researching Early Onset Alzheimer's, so he can be prepared for the future. He loves Peg, and Sid does his best. However, can a caregiver of someone with dementia ever be truly prepared for the future?

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Christine Calhoun lives in Appleton, Wisconsin, with her dog, Jack. The Unwelcome Guest is her second book. Her first book, Goodbye, My Love, a memoir, was published in May 2025. For five years, Calhoun was the caregiver for her husband, who died of Alzheimer's on December 19, 2023.

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