Family
Seventeen: The Last Rodeo
Dear Melina, I’m writing this as I wait for you at physical therapy. The original plan involved walking while you saw Ann, but once again, we have a hot and humid day, and my own joints—my hip especially—are giving me issues. So I sit here and wait for the words to come, and since you…
Read MoreAh, Parchment Paper
Mom never used parchment paper when baking, so I didn’t encounter it until well into my twenties. Even then I didn’t routinely buy it because of budget constraints. Now, thirty years later, I keep parchment paper in the drawer, at the ready for when I need it. Sometimes, I even have an extra roll in…
Read MoreCucumber Salad Recipe
This past week, I went easy on the cooking since I only had to cook for two people. Because I had plenty of cucumbers in the refrigerator, I decided on a salad. We liked it so much, I’m including the recipe here. This makes quite a good bit of food, so keep that in mind…
Read MoreIt’s a 24/7 Job
Child #4 sets off on a class trip to Germany on Tuesday, June 3, with my husband serving as one of the chaperones. Before he leaves, my husband says, “What are you going to do while we’re gone?” Implied in his tone is the idea that I will have a ton of free time on…
Read MoreRachel-Mary Pecan Pie
In January of this year, a friend moved in. We hadn’t planned on having an extra person in our household, but she needed some help, and we had help to give. Five months later, she’s still with us, and she probably will be for some time since living alone doesn’t look like it will be…
Read MoreCookies for Melina
It’s been a long time since I shared a recipe, and since Melina keeps requesting these cookies, and I can’t find where I shared the recipe before (though I’m pretty sure I did), I’m sharing it again. These soft, cake-like cookies are delicious and easy to make. This recipe originally came from Annie’s City Kitchen,…
Read MoreQuick Tip: Change the Subject
Over the last five years, I’ve spent a lot of time with people with dementia. I’ve also spent a lot of time with family and friends of those living with dementia. Countless conversations have filtered to my ears, and the greatest lesson I’ve learned there is not to argue with someone who has dementia. Now,…
Read MoreSaga of the Great Toe, Part III
The last time I wrote about my great toe was way back in February 2013, long before I had this site. Then, I mostly wrote about whatever my day involved, and you, lucky readers, got to ride along. Now I know a few of you steadfast warriors made the jump with me from Heptadecagon, and…
Read MoreQuick Tip: Tailor Your Responses
Today’s quick tip was inspired by something Tallulah Willis said about her father, Bruce. As those who’ve spent any time with people living with dementia know, each day is never the same. Sometimes, our loved ones will be chatty; other times, they refuse to speak. Some days involve plenty of smiles and the next day…
Read MoreQuick Tip: Walk Away
One question I get asked fairly often about The Weight We Carry is whether or not I have personal experience with dementia. Why yes, yes I do. My maternal grandmother had Alzheimer’s, my mother had Alzheimer’s, and my father has vascular dementia. I’m choosing to ignore what might be in my future at the moment…
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