Category Archives: life changes

So Gifted

Posted on December 24, 2018 by traceysl

Author’s Note: My mother died in April, 2015. This article was originally written in 2014, and now appears as a chapter in my book, “Dementia Sucks: A Caregiver’s Journey – With Lessons Learned.” The message is worth repeating, especially at … Continue reading →

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Penny for My Thoughts

Posted on October 30, 2018 by traceysl

Knowing something’s coming doesn’t mean you’re ready for it. From the day I brought Penny home, I knew she was a short-term gift. She was just turning 12. Yorkies are supposed to live longer than bigger breeds, but anything past … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, caregiving, cats, death, dog, dying, Family, incontinence, life changes, pets, physical therapy | Leave a comment

Life Is But A Dream

Posted on August 17, 2018 by traceysl

When I was little, I had intense and frightening nightmares. A repeated scenario placed me behind the wheel of a car, forced to drive when I could not yet see over the dash or reach the pedals, ultimately driving off … Continue reading →

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Absorb This

Posted on July 31, 2018 by traceysl

My little old dog, Penny, is a teacher. One of my dog sitters, who admits to having issues with assertiveness, has credited Penny with showing her how to be more firm and clear about her own needs. And today, Penny … Continue reading →

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The Hard Part

Posted on July 24, 2018 by traceysl

In 2015, a few months after mom died, I made a decision that caused the “Mom voice” in my head to scream “ARE YOU CRAZY?” I decided to adopt a 12 year old dog. Penny is a Yorkshire terrier. Her … Continue reading →

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Explaining

Posted on July 20, 2018 by traceysl

YOU CANNOT REASON WITH A DEMENTED PERSON. Saying anything to someone who is in cognitive decline has extremely limited value. Why? Continue reading →

Posted in aging, caregiving, delusions, dementia, Family, life changes, psychosis | Leave a comment

It’s almost here!

Posted on May 12, 2018 by traceysl

On May 15th, 2018, “Dementia Sucks” will be available. The book that came from this blog will be a real paperback book (and also available as a Kindle edition). The wait is nearly over. Order yours now!

Posted in book, caregiving, dementia, Family, life changes, long term care, long term care insurance, planning | Leave a comment

On May 15th, the World Will Know!

Posted on April 1, 2018 by traceysl

I told you I was going to do it. I took the posts from this humble blog, weeded out the ones that might hurt the living (hey, I’ve got scruples) and created a manuscript. One month after committing to getting … Continue reading →

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End of the Ride

Posted on April 18, 2015 by traceysl

My phone rang as I was exercising at home on the last day of March. The hospice nurse attending to Mom called to suggest I get down there soon. “She’s transitioning.” This is hospice-speak for “her body is breaking down … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, caregiving, death, dementia, dying, Family, hospice, life changes, long term care, long term care insurance, planning, research, retirement, Romance | Tagged | 7 Comments

Drowning in STUFF

Posted on October 11, 2010 by traceysl

A post-middle-aged woman embarks on a journey of care-giving for her aging mother and learns that one can truly drown in a sea of accumulated possessions. Continue reading →

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