Blog
Because? In spite of? I’m learning to be grateful in both situations
Gratitude can fall into one of two categories. Most often it fits in both.
Talking to myself in a room that feels empty. This is my story
Three quotes give me something to remember that will help lighten my caregiving load.
Saturday, Sunday, sad: Her memory is the least of her losses
A slice of our life to give a broader picture of our every day with Alzheimer’s. Memory is only the beginning of the problems.
We knew the season for sheltering fragile life wasn’t far away
Rereading a post from one year ago reminds me the cycle continues and the circle won’t end.
Perspective comes from noting the blessings. So I’ll jot a few here
I call this “My Chronicle,” sort of a diary recording the steps on our journey. And this week I feel I must mention that many of them are quite pleasant.
No matter their age, it’s a privilege to partner on the journey
Listen with me to the interactions between a young parent and her child, and see if you’re hearing the same phrases today.
Even when it comes in small doses, satisfaction is something to savor
I’ve been thinking about happiness and contentment and satisfaction. And I can report that the last goal, although not always automatic, is the easiest to achieve.
Handling the new while grieving the loss of the old: It’s not easy
Capitalizing on the present while admitting and grieving the loss of the past is the challenge for everyone loving a person with a debilitating disease.
What I’m deciding these days: Blunted blessings are still blessings!
The blessings showered on us are all welcome—even though so many are shadowed by the unpleasant difficulties of this season.
Stanley Tucci, Italian cooking, cancer, and the meaning of life
I was getting a little bored with the book till I came to the last chapter and realized Tucci had touched something far more profound than what we’ll fix for dinner.
A voice from the past, a reflection that makes us sad—and proud
Sometimes memories from 20 years ago make us sad. Sometimes they do something more. That’s what happened for us this week.
Our best version of a good week. (Some moments didn’t make Facebook.)
The pictures were not a lie. They just didn’t include some recurring moments we chose not to post on Facebook.
A picture post to confirm a friend’s assessment: ‘Your life is rich’
Memories from just one week prove the point: I have so many reasons to be thankful.
Thanks to others, I can sing with Evelyn as I think about my faith
What a blessing to get advice from friends who care, especially when it yields such positive results!
Friends who care are helping me think afresh about my situation
Looking at the disease, evaluating losses, taking care of myself—I’m doing all of this better because of help from my friends.
I’ll acknowledge a reality that won’t soon go away. Yep, I’m sad
Twice in the last few days someone who sees me every week has told me they’re concerned about me. It was time to come to terms with my sadness.
What I’m learning about God, Alzheimer’s, and myself (shared post)
A link to a piece about our experiences I wrote for Christian Standard magazine.
Our 50th wedding anniversary celebration: Very nice, nice enough
Rather than let the day go uncelebrated, I planned a simple dinner with friends. It was special. It was nice. An effort to be remembered but not repeated.
How and why caregivers order their days around another’s needs
If accommodation is healthy and normal, why does it feel like such a burden to the caregiver?
Long friendships, quick goodbyes, and a chapter’s certain end
With the daily changes in our lives, it’s difficult to decide when one chapter ended and another has begun. But crossroads like this one make it clear we’ve turned a new page.