Thursday, November 5, 2015

Somebody Stole My Iron

I want to share a post from Vicki Tapia who tells her family's story in her book Somebody Stole My Iron

A Family Memoir of Dementia — by Vicki Tapia

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2014, 15.5 million caregivers provided an estimated 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care. As a caregiver, have you ever wished you were somewhere —anywhere— else? How do you proceed to love this stranger who barely resembles the parent or spouse you once knew? What do you do when your emotions get the best of you? Do you sometimes feel quite alone in the world? Somebody Stole My Iron can help to validate those feelings and offer insights on coping. You aren’t alone!

2015 High Plains Book Award Finalist!

The Billings Public Library Board has established the High Plains Book Awards to recognize regional authors and/or literary works which examine and reflect life on the High Plains including the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.


Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The Gift of Love

 I sat down with three beautiful ladies as they enjoyed their lunch. We began to chat about the delicious lunch and other mundane things. These lovely ladies looked just like any of the others there...you couldn't tell by casual observation that they were not like the others there. They were all dressed nicely with their hair fresh from the beauty shop. They commented on my jewelry and the outfit I was wearing. We talked about children and shared some laughter. But as I continued to visit with them, I began to notice little things. I saw confusion on Ava's face as she tried to decide which eating utensil to pick up. I noticed Jeannie repeated the same story and showed a quick flash of agitation with a caregiver. I also noticed how Becky didn't initiate any conversation but readily replied to a question. Someone else may not have noticed these things, but I saw the signs of dementia. These delightful ladies each different, but yet the same as they live with dementia. They want the same things as you and I. They want someone to care, to talk with, to listen and to love. They were so gracious to accept me in their group and share their time with me. So why do we find it so difficult to accept them just as they are? This is for Ava, Becky, Jeannie and all the others,,,thank you! Because of you I am a better person. I have learned patience and compassion. I have learned to open my heart and expect nothing in return. I love you all unconditionally just as you have loved me!