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On a recent shopping trip, I saw an older woman walking through the parking lot. She appeared to struggle as she maneuvered her metal walker, which wasn’t fancy or new. The lady had to lift it and take a step to advance. Lift and step. As she got deeper into…

We’re a whole week into 2024 already, and is it just me, or is the year passing by quickly from the start? Regardless, 11 months are stretched out before us, and we don’t know exactly what they’ll bring. If you’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or are the…

The Advent season of the Christian calendar is now in full swing. Each of the season’s four Sundays connects the arrival of Jesus to a tenet of Christianity: hope, peace, joy, and love or faith, depending on a specific congregation’s tradition. We typically celebrate these words by reading…

The Christian season of Advent, from the Latin for “coming,” has arrived. Celebrating the coming of Jesus, Advent occurs over the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Many Christian churches set aside these Sundays to focus on the four aspects of Advent — typically hope, love or faith, joy, and…

If you have a loved one who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, what’s the chance that they’ll walk away from the safety of their home? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, anyone with dementia is at risk of wandering. There’s some controversy about the word “wandering” as it…

When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, celebrating anything is a challenge. For our family, dementia was an overarching cloud that never cleared up, even during upbeat moments. Yes, we had joyful times with my mother during her bout with Alzheimer’s, but at the same time,…

I made a promise a few years ago, more to myself than anyone. I promised that if I were ever given an opportunity, I’d be upfront and honest about what it’s like in the trenches of Alzheimer’s disease. I shared caregiving responsibilities for my dear mother, and when given…

On any given day in our family, back when all four grandparents were alive, they were thick as thieves with their five grandkids, and I’m so glad of it. Every day with a grandparent in it should be celebratory. Think about it: Grandchildren have a relatively short amount of time…

My mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease ended more than 10 years ago. I miss her, but don’t get me wrong: Given the choice, I wouldn’t bring her back. She’s in a better place where her mind is crystal clear. Now, if I could wave a magic wand and return…

“In sickness and in health, till death do us part.” If you’ve attended many weddings, you recognize this phrase as the last sentence most brides and grooms say in their marriage vows. Immediately before my spouse, John, and I were pronounced husband and wife 35 years ago, we made that…