Posts

Invisible Connection

(Time Period: Throughout Mom’s time in the care home.)

A Lesson in Mindfulness

When it is no longer possible to communicate with our loved ones the way we used to, how does connection occur? It was natural to wonder about Mom’s ability to connect with us. Was she understanding what we were saying? Was she feeling comforted by our presence? The answers to these questions were not always apparent. This led me to realize there was something else to explore: my own ability to connect with her. Read more

Themes That Move You

The Best Prayers Are One-Liners

In my prior post, Open To What Is Next, I relayed the time my father spoke words to me that also seemed to be his prayer: I’m in your hands. I stated that some of the best prayers are one-liners and when expressed are often spontaneous and raw. Read more

Open To What Is Next

Dad’s Words to Me

In the last year of my father’s life, it was necessary for him to have minor surgeries every few months. He rolled with these and recovered each time, able to enjoy the year with my mother in their new community where she was beginning to receive assisted living support. At this point, she was in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s and they were able to participate in various social activities ranging from chair yoga to a singing group to dinners with new friends. Read more

About Faith

To my readersA note about occasional faith references that are within the With Grace story:

The faith language contained in some posts under the With Grace topic is an integral part of my mother’s story and that is the context in which I share it. If it differs from your faith tradition or spirituality, I invite you to adapt it to your own. While cherishing my faith, I respect the richness of different faiths and marvel at the intersections where we can meet. Read more