CONVERSATIONS, STORIES & REFLECTIONS
From Donna’s Journal
Honest conversations about caregiving, dementia, family, resilience, and finding grace in the everyday.
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Caregivers Need A Journal
One of the best things I do is keep a journal. I open it up write the date and make notes: maybe noting Marjory’s blood pressure, my blood pressure, ideas for projects I want to do, to do lists for house chores,…
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Hummingbirds, Bees, and Butterflies
Today I have some things on my to do lists that I’d like to get done, but I find myself watching our patio garden as the bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies frolic around the sugar in the hummingbird feeders. I took time to…
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Caregiving and Managing Time
A caregiver does not know from day to day, what they will face. Everyday is different. And though, in our home, life for us basically revolves around Marjory, it does not mean we cannot make plans, that we just have to sit…
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Caregivers,Banana Bread, and Chocolate
This amazing banana bread, with a cup of coffee, or a dip of ice cream, can give the caregiver a perfect time out during the day. Maybe for breakfast, or a late lunch, with a friend over for a cold iced tea…
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“Caregivers Can Naturally Involve Loved Ones in What They Do”
August 18 “Caregivers Can Naturally Involve a Loved One in What They Do” I have found over the past three years as a caregiver to my 100 yr. Old mother-in-law, Marjory, I rarely have to come up with things for her to…
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”Weeds and Walks”
August 17, 2026 “Weeds and Walks” On nice days I take Marjory outside in her wheelchair for a walk. We like to walk around the garden beds where this time of year the flowers thrive, the humming birds stop in their migration…
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A Day in my Life as a Caregiver
”A Day in the Life of One Caregiver” A lot of my day is filled with caring for Marjory. Because of her lower spine issues, combined with her dementia confusion, she cannot be left alone or she might try to stand up…
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Dementia and Taking Meds
Marjory has medications prescribed by her doctor that thin her blood, manage her blood pressure, address her pain, and support a healthy bladder. Most of the time she takes her medications without fanfare. If she is not well, she may clamp her…
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Love Trumps Dementia
Our 100th birthday celebrations for Marjory are over, except for the awesome “card wall,” which we will leave up for several weeks. We had a party for people who live in our condo building and another for family. Marjory has no clue…
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The Ties That Bind
July 29 2026 Our 100th birthday celebrations for Marjory are over, except for the awesome “card wall,” which we will leave up for several weeks. We had a party for people who live in our condo building and another for family. Marjory…