Family
It’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…
Read MoreThis Saturday in April
As much as I like to read other people’s newsletters, I’m not so great about getting one of my own out each month. Which is why I switched to a quarterly newsletter, but even then, I didn’t prioritize writing it. Like many authors, I want to spend my time writing books, not newsletters. But many…
Read MoreOn the Occasion of What Would Have Been Her Seventy-Ninth Birthday
Dear Mom, Today you would have turned seventy-nine! In an ideal world, you’d still be alive and mostly healthy (or as healthy as a person of that age can be, which is pretty healthy). I’d call you up, ask chat with you for a while, wish you Happy Birthday, and maybe send some flowers. Dad…
Read MoreTwenty-Two: Make It Up As You Go Along
Dear Zoe and Talia, Several months ago, I wrote “Twins Birthday Letter” in my planner so I wouldn’t wait until the last minute to sit and write to you. I’m happy to report that I began this post six days earlier than I have the last two years, though it remains to be seen if…
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