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With the help of the text I define the ABC-X model as “The foundation for a social systems model of family stress”(McKenry & Price, 2000, p.5 chap.1). It is a formulation or a symbolic representation for family system stress and resilience. The "A" stands for the provoking event, crisis, stress, or disturbance of family steady state. The "B" stands for the resources or strengths that are brought by a family member to a stressful situation buffering or placating the event. The "C" stands for the meaning attached to the event or one’s perception or appraisal of the incident. "X" is the amount of impairment or chaos that remains when the family’s resources are inadequate to subjugate a family crisis. Application of the ABC-X model for family systems stress and resilience to one of our many family crises necessitates sharing some family information. Immediate family is my husband of 36 years, Gary and our four children, Phil, Kevin and their families, Ian, Michael, and of course myself. The early stages of early onset Alzheimer’s disease disabled Gary in 1998 but we call it retired. I have tried retirement but it did not provide for all the necessities of life. Phil, age 35, just celebrated his 1st anniversary with hi