How to Know When the Last Time Should Be the Last Time

There are many “last times” with my mom that I don’t remember at all, but I vividly remember the last time I took her to get her hair done. It was February 1, 2017 and the only reason I know the date is because I took this picture. As always, I went to my mom’s … Continue reading How to Know When the Last Time Should Be the Last Time →

It’s Okay to Go Slow and Do What Feels Familiar

I set out to go for a short run in my neighborhood this morning. The weather was pretty gloomy, as it has been for the last few days, but I opted to run outside because I knew I needed it. This year has been heavy for everyone for many reasons, but for me it has … Continue reading It’s Okay to Go Slow and Do What Feels Familiar →

There Are No Mistakes — Only Lessons

One day in the summer of 2014, about four years after my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she and I were hanging out in the pool at her house. It had been a trying summer, as my husband was away at a school for the military. His graduation was coming up in a few weeks … Continue reading There Are No Mistakes — Only Lessons →

Your Loved One Won’t Remember, But You Will

I can’t tell you how many times during my mom’s Alzheimer’s journey I thought to myself, “Why bother? It’s not like she’s going to remember this anyway.” There was a time when I couldn’t even look at my mom without tearing up. Every time I saw her I would have to leave the room to … Continue reading Your Loved One Won’t Remember, But You Will →

Sometimes You Have To Paint a Different Picture

After my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I spent a lot of time feeling sorry for myself. All I thought about was what I had lost and what I would never have. All the things my mom and I would no longer be able to do and all the things we would never get the … Continue reading Sometimes You Have To Paint a Different Picture →

Finding Gratitude On Your Alzheimer’s Journey

What if you woke up tomorrow morning and decided today would be different? What if you told yourself to focus only on the good things that happen? You will see and acknowledge all of the bad stuff (we all know there’s a lot), but you won’t let it drag you down. Instead, you will keep … Continue reading Finding Gratitude On Your Alzheimer’s Journey →

My Dad Stepped Up When My Mom Got Sick

In honor of my dad’s birthday today, I’m sharing this article which I originally wrote for His View From Home. Click here to view the original post. I got a text from my dad one day that had a picture of two cans of Manwich and he wanted to know how to make Sloppy Joes. … Continue reading My Dad Stepped Up When My Mom Got Sick →

You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through

Whenever I see a woman out with her mother, I always think to myself, “Lucky!” or, “Must be nice!” If the woman is much older than me, I always think, “What?! How is that fair that she still has her mom, but I don’t have mine?!” It’s not lovely of me, but it’s true. I … Continue reading You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through →

Six Months Without You

Dear Mom, It has been six months today since you passed away. There are still times when I think about you or look at a picture of you and I have to remind myself that you’re gone. It just doesn’t seem possible. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that you … Continue reading Six Months Without You →

Little Things I Do Every Day to Cope With Grief

We moved into our new house six months ago today. My mom passed away six months ago tomorrow. It’s hard to believe that much time has gone by. It all feels like just yesterday. It has been a challenging six months, but I have gotten through it. Although there are still days when I feel … Continue reading Little Things I Do Every Day to Cope With Grief →