Polly Lynch Spainhour, the author of the book “The Color of Gray,” was interviewed by Benjie Cole from CBS Radio. Spainhour’s inspiration for writing The Color of Gray came from her own painful yet transformative experience as a caregiver. When her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she found herself searching for guidance, but much of the literature she encountered was either too clinical or sugarcoated the realities of the disease. She realized that there was a need for a book that spoke to the raw truth of caregiving—the exhaustion, the grief, the unexpected moments of joy, and the deep love that endures even in the face of loss.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
Polly Lynch Spainhour’s “The Color of Gray” is an emotional and deeply personal memoir that takes readers on a journey through love, loss, and resilience. This book offers a raw and unfiltered look at Polly’s experience as a caregiver for her late husband, who battled Alzheimer’s disease. Through her writing, Spainhour provides an honest depiction of the struggles, heartbreak, and unexpected moments of grace that come with caring for a loved one suffering from this devastating illness. The book serves not only as a personal reflection on her journey but also as an invaluable resource for those who find themselves in similar circumstances.
Polly Lynch Spainhour is an author, speaker, and advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness. Through her personal experiences, she has become a voice for caregivers, offering them the reassurance and support they need during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Spainhour understands firsthand what it means to walk the long and painful road of watching a loved one succumb to dementia, and she has turned that experience into a source of comfort for others.
“The Color of Gray” follows Polly Lynch Spainhour as she recounts the journey she took alongside her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. From the initial signs of memory loss to the inevitable decline, Polly shares the day-to-day struggles, frustrations, and heartbreaks of watching someone she loved slip away before her eyes. She describes the challenges of navigating a medical system that often left her feeling isolated and the emotional turmoil of balancing hope and acceptance.
Unlike many books that focus on the scientific or medical aspects of Alzheimer’s, Spainhour’s story is a deeply human one. She writes about the difficulties of maintaining a sense of identity when shifting from the role of a wife to that of a caregiver. Her book sheds light on the feelings of helplessness, exhaustion, and at times, guilt that often accompany the caregiving journey. However, she also highlights the small victories—those fleeting moments of recognition, shared laughter, and unconditional love that made the struggle worthwhile.
Through her storytelling, Spainhour provides an unfiltered look at the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving, showing both the pain and the perseverance required to stand by a loved one until the very end. “The Color of Gray” is a book that does not sugarcoat the harsh realities of the disease, but it also does not abandon hope. It is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and faith in the face of unimaginable challenges.
To delve deeper into Polly’s inspiration behind her book, you can watch the full interview below: