What could possibly be beautiful and terrible at the same time? During our recent family vacation in New Mexico, we noticed how many crosses were sold. It seemed that every store, every boutique sold some version of a cross. The ones that surprised us most were fashioned out of plain old sticks, often tied together …
God has never answered my question, and I seriously doubt that he will. However, he is kind enough to let me rage against him, scribble in my journal and cry out my frustrations. “Why have you let Alzheimer’s take over my mother’s brain? I still need her.” I want her to tell me how to …
Some things we just have to go through by ourselves. Although we enlist the prayers of other saints and often feel the power of their intercession, we still have to go through it alone. Somehow we must find our own courage to deal with the trials and struggles of life. Yes…God is with us. He …
Several years ago, during a time of great struggle, God sent the geese. I was driving to work and fighting discouragement, when a flock of geese flew right over my truck. They were so beautiful, so fluid in their movement and so determined in their purpose – I felt encouraged. I knew that the same …
Every few months, my local library has a Friends of the Library Book Sale. Although I really don’t NEED any more books, just try to keep me away from a sale where I can buy a book for 50 cents. Recently, I joined other book worms at our local sale and soon filled my arms …
When life unravels into Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important for caregivers to carry survival tools. As I speak in various venues throughout the metro and beyond, I share these survival tools.This week, I had the opportunity of sharing these tips with professionals at the Chem Council in Kansas City. With 43 million caregivers in the …
This happens every time I do a speaking event. Someone in the audience either reaches for a tissue or wipes their tears away. Sometimes, from the people in the front rows, I see tears puddle in their eyes. Maybe it’s because my topic is usually centered around my mother’s Alzheimer’s or my father’s dementia. Maybe …
When I first started freelancing, I wanted to set an attainable goal – something I could work for beyond the publishing credits and the paychecks. So I cleared off the top shelf of one of my bookcases and created a dream shelf. It was my goal – my dream to fill that shelf with my …
Most of my recent blog posts have centered around Mom and her Alzheimer’s journey, but years before Mom’s diagnosis – we faced a similar struggle with Dad and his dementia. Check out the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s here: http://bit.ly/AFg8SC On a cold November day, Dad decided to build a fire in the fireplace but …
As I checked another day off my planner, I knew I needed to escape from the office and find something to refresh my spirit. Ice cream? Nah – not on the healthy eating plan. Chai tea? Nope – too late in the day for caffeine. So I drove to the one place where I knew …