Don’t Let Them Tell You (Caregivers) Otherwise:
A Caregiver’s First Duty and Commitment Reflecting over this past year, I am mindful of how very fortunate Paul and I have been. My decision to place Paul in a long-term care facility was a wrenching one; I was so very afraid; I wanted him safe but I didn’t want him staring at institutional walls…
Az and Me: A Partner’s Journey with Alzheimer’s
I Begin New Life as an Az Advocate At one time, I considered becoming a lawyer. Why? I love advocating for people wronged by others…the system…inadequacies of the law, etc. But, earlier in my life, I couldn’t invest in the time requirements to realize that goal, since I was a single working mom. So, my…
Caretake?…Caregive?…What’s the Diff???
What’s the common denominator? The word “Care” No matter how you slice it, a caregiver/caretaker is a person who cares… for another. Many of us have been mothers, probably since our 20’s. Some of us became single parents (through death of spouse or divorce), meaning we absorbed most and, in some cases, all parental responsibilities….
I Write the Stories Of Heroes You Might Not Know
I’ve always been impressed with the folks who accomplish wonderful things, mostly out of the public view. As such, I determined to give these heroes a spotlight. My mission started years ago when I began writing about my career as teacher–relating the funny, touching episodes, as well as the troubling. My stories allowed the public…
Why Did We Return to RI, After Living in the South?
They (the naysayers, that is) can say what they wish about Rhode Island but we who have traveled and lived elsewhere know our little state is where we want to be…for perpetuity (my ashes will be tossed—elegantly, I hope, off Rhode Island waters, while he’ll be ceremoniously interred in Veterans’ Cemetery.) For many years, we’ve…
Self-Selling Your Home?-There’s a Name for That (Besides Crazy!)
Last week I was in a small supermarket (oxymoron?) in Wickford, Rhode Island, when a young woman called out: “Hello, Colleen…I’m Kerry (last name I omit). You helped my husband and me buy a home some years ago.” We hugged and chatted; she told me they’d sold that home and bought a new one in…
