What's it like when the unthinkable happens? Globe reader Karina Reid shares her story in this poignant and candid essay about her husband’s diagnosis with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease. At 50 years old, she found herself suddenly in caregiver mode, managing her partner’s declining health while raising two young kids. She writes: “Daily life is full of surreal moments. Once, my husband held up an empty hand and asked, ‘What do you want me to do with this lime?’ When I said, ‘What lime?’ he replied, ‘Oh, it disappeared.’ Objects vanish. Shoes go missing…Some days are easier, others harder but you keep moving.” Read more.

From food and drink to parenting and relationships, The Globe and Mail publishes several newsletters designed to keep you healthy, active, and informed. Visit our signup page to subscribe.