Watsonville native Wanda Maitoza Proost recently launched her autobiographical book at the Pajaro Village Clubhouse. “White Knight—Living with Alzheimer’s Moment by Moment” is a bittersweet love story of Joe Proost and Wanda Maitoza, who were married for only six years when Joe, at the age of 58, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.
Wanda, the eldest daughter of a local apple farming family, has a unique outlook on life formed by growing up in an extremely supportive family. Her positive attitude and ability to “stay in the moment” helped her and Joe to transcend the difficulties of gradually losing each other as a result of the disease.
As Joe’s illness progressed, Wanda had to leave her full-time job as an office administrator in order to have the time to care for him. Her mother suggested she start a house-cleaning service and Nook Cranny Custom Cleaning was born. This helped pay the bills and Wanda was able to take Joe with her while she was cleaning homes.
A must-read for people caring for anyone with a debilitating mental illness, this is a unique view of accepting and loving the person as you “walk in their shoes.”
“Stay in the moment and feel each moment with your patients,” Wanda writes. “Try to see the world through their eyes. Notice the many blessings they bring to your daily life, love them for who they are at any given moment and God will help with the rest.”
She started writing while Joe was still alive and finished it a year later. It took another year and three months to get it edited and published. A second book about her recovery and life after Joe’s death is in the works.
“White Knight” can be bought at Amazon.com or ordered at any bookstore. Wanda will have another book launch for “White Knight” soon in Monterey. For further information, email Wanda at mo*********@ya***.com.
