Abuelo "Chini"

Kids always say the darnedest things. It is astounding how the young view and react to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. My nephews ages 3 to 8 unconditionally adore and cherish their grandfather. They call him Chini, (pronounced Chee-nee), a ...[Read More]

Jun08

Laura King

Laura, a professional caregiver, was a gift to my family and especially to my mother, Ellen. Each day Laura watched carefully over my mother's health,but, more importantly, Laura was always in tune with my mother's needs. With dignity, laughter, g ...[Read More]

May01

Like it used to was

It's been many years since we, my hubby and I started down the slippery slope toward moderate Alzheimer's disease. At first, there was nothing available here in Las Vegas. We went to St. George, UT for help. Now, thank the Good Lord, we have a wo ...[Read More]

Feb26

You Are My Sunshine!

My Grandma was such a loving person. We used to go over to her house for the traditional big italian meals. I remember the sauce especially. It always seemed like she made enough sauce for 50 people. Anyway, as Alzheimer's took hold, I was sti ...[Read More]

Feb26

Scrambled Eggs

My daddy was a cross country truck driver. He didn’t talk much, but he did listen well. He wasn’t too keen on speaking his opinions in public or doling out advice, even when asked, but he sure did make the best scrambled eggs. I remember the care ...[Read More]

Feb25

The first time my grandmother encouraged me to do something dangerous, I didn’t expect it to hurt…

My grandmother loved me so much—just being around her made me feel safe. She always let me “help” her with cooking and baking, setting up a small workstation just my size. There was a child-size apron, a small rolling pin, a glass of milk with no ...[Read More]

Feb25

I’ll never forget the day my parents surprised me with a new dog of my very own!

I had always been an animal lover, from Hamsters to Hippos, but didn’t have one of my own until the age of eight. Our family already had a dog, an incredibly smart golden retriever named Chauncey, who came into our family three years before me – as ...[Read More]

Feb24

Too many years stand in between that image in my mind and now … many too many.

It is a bright sunny morning. It is a very special day. The distance between our bedrooms was shorter then, and I could her happy squeals. I jumped out of bed and grabbed the helium balloons; primary colors, I recall—bright red and yellow, green and ...[Read More]

Feb23

A lifetime of Hard Curbs, $5 dollars and the Chicago Bears.

It was a day I had been preparing for longer than most 12 year olds can imagine. Practicing soccer every day for years, months, days and hours. Kicking, passing, running, shooting. And the day had finally arrived for try outs for the City select und ...[Read More]

Feb22

The day I became a mother is a moment in time I will always cherish.

Having a family is something I always wanted, but I never knew just how much one tiny little person could change my life. In the final months of my pregnancy I was filled with emotion, excited to meet my son and scared of what I had gotten myself in ...[Read More]

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