There’s something that I’ve been dealing with for the last year or so.
And as time progresses, it’s become harder and harder to manage privately.
For those of you who follow my work or read my blog, you know that I’m an open book. I share my faults and my strengths. It’s my nature as a spiritual teacher to be as candid about my journey as possible.
My intention is to demonstrate that we’re all on this planet together, often managing similar experiences.
But because of my work, I’m also a public person. My family and friends didn’t sign up for that. Over the years, I’ve had to navigate phone calls from loved ones asking me not to mention them on TV, radio, or social media, which is totally fair. I do my best to honor those requests. From time to time, I’ll share cleaned-up stories that focus on my own perspective, without putting anyone else in the spotlight.
Still, this one topic has been circling my mind. I’ve asked myself why I feel so protective of it. Why, if I’m being honest, I feel kernels of shame about something I can’t quite explain.
About three years ago, my sweet dad called and told me he needed help organizing his bills. He said he was having trouble staying on top of things. After a few visits to Florida, it became clear this wasn’t just a paperwork issue, it was likely something cognitive.
After some doctor’s appointments and testing, my dad was diagnosed with dementia.
At first, I was in denial about what that truly meant. If he keeps forgetting how to use the TV remote, then what’s the big deal?
But over the past few years, that denial has been confronted. Sometimes the changes are slow. Other times, it feels like his energy shifts hour by hour.
This past year, we had to ask him to stop driving. He’s been having trouble with it and his reflexes aren’t the same as they used to be. That was incredibly hard, as my dad has loved cars and driving his entire life.
But to his credit, he’s taken it in stride. We lovingly remind him each day about appointments and activities. Telling time and working with numbers are slowly becoming a thing of the past. But as always, my dad brings humor to everything. The other day, he couldn’t remember my name and just laughed, saying, “Whatever your name is!”
In the past couple of weeks, with the help of specialists and a united family front, we decided it was time for my Dad to move into memory care.
I still don’t fully understand why I felt the need to protect this part of our story. There is no shame in aging or experiencing cognitive decline. As the saying goes, getting older is a privilege that we don’t all get to experience.
And every time I open up about it, I’m met with others who share their stories. So many people I know can validate the unique challenges that come with being a caregiver. For our whole family, caregiving requires a tremendous amount of energy management skills. I am doing my best to stay grounded, carve out time for grief and various forms of therapy.
I’m not sharing this for sympathy. I’m sharing it to help dissolve the stigma around aging and needing more help. I’m proud of my dad for speaking up when something didn’t feel right. And I’m proud of how our family has come together to support him and ensure he feels safe and loved.
Here’s the lesson that I’m learning:
When life asks us to step into a role we didn’t plan for, our energy shifts. Our aura shifts. Caregiving stretches parts of us we didn’t even know had elasticity.
It asks us to hold grief and love at the same time, which is one of the most spiritually advanced things a human being can do.
This is the kind of experience that teaches us, gently, consistently, sometimes painfully, that vulnerability is not weakness. It’s a doorway into deeper compassion.
Our truth and our tenderness can coexist
We don’t have to be “fully processed” to talk about what we’re going through. We don’t have to pretend caregiving is tidy. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can say is simply: “This is where I am right now.”
If you’re reading this and caring for a loved one, please know I see you. And if you’d like to share your own experience or have any suggestions, I’d love to read them in the comments.
I know it’s hard. I know it can feel draining. But you are not alone. We can do this, together.
Much Love,
60 Responses
Dougall,
I just read your blog and I found it so helpful. My husband Ed, who I have been married to for 58 years, Scott and David’s father was diagnosed in July with stage three pancreatic cancer. We’re hopeful he’ll be able to have surgery but until then we have another two months of chemotherapy. It has changed our lives in ways I had never expected. Being a caregiver is now my main roll. I’m finding self-care is extremely important to keep myself balanced. Dealing with the grief around it is a surprise as well. Thanks for your authenticity. It’s contagious.
Best to you.
Thank you for sharing Kathy, I totally understand and relate to what you’re saying about the way it can change your life. Sending you and Ed so much love and positive healing energy. 💞
Thank you for sharing your story, Kathy. My heart is with you and your family. Having gone through cancer myself, I know it is incredibly difficult on family members as well. Take care of yourself, my dear.
My mom suffered with dementia. It started with her not recognising my son and I in a photo and progressed slowly over a period of 5 years. Eventually I moved her into a Care Home, where she lived out her last 8 months. A sad end to an extremely bright and active lady.
I’m sorry to hear that Jenny, dementia is tough in many ways. Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman and I understand how hard that must have been. Thank you for sharing, I’m sending you so much love.
My father had dementia in the 90’s. It came with many gifts, like who knew he could speak fluent German? And his Bi-Polar was cured interestingly. It also came with grief, loss, sadness and healing. I love what you shared about holding love and grief together. So true.
Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you and your family on this journey.
Wow Katie, those are some unexpected gifts indeed! Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, and happy to hear that there was healing as well. Thank you for your kind message, I see and appreciate you.
Incredibly moving in yours and our truth.
Thank you Linda, I appreciate you. 💙
My dad went through this also. My mom kept him home as long as she could but eventually he needed to go into a nursing home. Besides the dementia my father was legally blind so it made things a little harder. I went to see him as often as i could but I did get to a point where i couldn’t go anymore. I’m ashamed to say that but its true. When he finally passed, I was sad but happy for him to be whole again. It’s not easy, my only advice is to ask for help whenever you feel you need it. I wish you and your dad the best.
Thank you for sharing Carol, it sounds like that was a really difficult experience which I totally understand. Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it and you as well. 💜
It is so hard to watch our parents (and spouses) lose pieces of themselves, especially when they are denying that it is occurring. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Yes, we are in this together, but the positivity and love you conveyed are sorely lacking in my case, and I need to shift my thinking. Thank you for this post.
Thank you for sharing Christine, I understand. I’m sending you so much love.
Dougal, thanks for sharing the journey that so many of us travel. First my husband had “mild cognitive impairment” which was a gentle slide into dementia over the years. Finally a health issue landed him in a nursing home. Walking in was so frightening but at the same exact time I was so thankful he was being cared for. I never totally reconciled the “what the heck?!” And the “thank you, God and all the caregivers.” He has passed now but I do my best to not dwell on his journey or on mine with him. There is always that sad little pocket of grief just like all the people we have seen transition who once were contributing members of our family and friends. I honor those who lived well and I visited for a bit through my spiritual bonds. Now my sister is lost in time. Another journey for her to traverse and I remain but a bystander now. Her family is doing their best to guide her safely in the abyss of Alzheimers. What an amazing Earth walk this is. I feel we are all a part of everything yet must walk our walk each day centered in our heart. , Thanks again for your angelic guidance.
Thank you for sharing Mary, your words are beautiful and really shed light on this complicated experience. I’m grateful for you and sending you much love. 💖
Dear Dougall,
thank you for sharing your story about your dad’s dementia. It is a challenging situation – I know that very well. When I was in my teenage years (I am 63 right now) my granny started forgetting thingls. At that time they called it “forgetfulness” and it was hard to watch her. She still recognized my mum, my dad, her son and me. But when my aunt from Munich visited her or when her sister came to us she did not know who they were. And it was so sad to see the two sisters who both had dementia and did not know who they were talking to. I am sending you so much love and angel blessings. I am convinced that my granny and your dad deep in their hearts feel that they are well loved and well taken care of though for us it may seem/feel differently. When my mum became very ill in 2008/09 my dad and I took care of her. I felt als if I was in a completely different life or movie, it was so unreal to see my mum ill and her strength withered away. What was so hard was the fact that the only thing we could do was to be there / present for. We could not heal her; same with my granny. And it felt so weird, sooooo painful. But looking back at these times I feel / I know it was the only thing we could do and deep down in my heart it feels good and warm. In these situation God and the angels or the Universe…. give us the strength to deal with that situation, to be there, to help and support – to LOVE. And they feel it – no matter what. Wishing you and your dad and loved ones all the best, love, angel blessings and much strength. Love Monika.
Oh wow Monika, it sounds like you really have experienced this fully. I totally agree, our loved ones feel our love and intention, no matter what. Thank you for sharing, I appreciate it and am sending you lots of love.
Thank you so much for sharing. My now 92 year old mother was a vibrant, determined, active, brilliantly intelligent and loving woman and mother. She had a stroke that affected her memory a few years ago and it completely changed her life…and our relationship with her. She now has 24/7 caregivers to take care of her needs and the family is handling all her affairs. The way you described the interwoven grief and love is perfect…losing her bit by bit. She remembers to tell me she loves me and I get to tell her the same and she says how lucky we are to have that…and she might repeat that in the next minute because she can’t remember. It’s our little blessed dance.
Thank you for your kind words Jody, they mean more than you know. I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s stroke, it sounds like she’s a wonderful person and I’m happy to hear that she’s well cared for. Sending you and your family so much love.
Bless you Dougall and David,
I never went through this with my parents. My mom died at 38, and my dad at 72.
I send love to you all, and I hope the holidays are gentle and soothing for you.
Many blessings, and thank you for all you do,
Debbie
Dougall, acceptance and “going with it” (while doing as much as you can to get appropriate support) are SO important. My dad fought mom’s dementia hard, despite “knowing better” as a physician. It’s a difficult road however traveled, but I’d say embrace the support that comes from a good memory care facility and know that even when your dad gets frustrated or angry, you and your family are doing the right thing. Savor the good moments, as life’s most precious memories are just that – special moments.
Thank you so much Pat, I really appreciate the advice. I agree, accepting support is so important, as is staying grateful for the precious moments. Sending you love and positive energy.
Thank you for sharing your story Dougal. I am
Sorry that your dad and family are dealing with this. And yes, is is definitely a tug-of-war of the heart when you need to hold a place of love and a place of grief.
My mother has Vascular Dementia (currently somewhere between a stage 5. & 6). It’s a very sad thing to witness. Unfortunately, she has become mean & angry. It is not always easy to remember it’s the disease – not her. None of it is intentional.
Best advice I can give if you a caregiver, carve out time for yourself. Schedule it in. I have not been able to do this as much as I should and it go is taking a toll.
Thank you for sharing this, Annette. I’m really sorry that your mother and your family are going through this. I know how hard it can be when the disease changes someone’s personality, especially when anger or meanness shows up. That reminder that it’s the disease and not the person is so important, and also so hard to hold onto in the moment.
I really appreciate your honesty about caregiving and the toll it can take when we don’t make space for ourselves. I’m sending you a lot of compassion, strength, and support as you continue to navigate this with your mom.
I went through something similar with my mom. Just a year ago she was living in the hospital her memory in and out. It wasn’t dementia, but her body had so many toxins built up from her liver not working that her brain was effected in a similar way. She looked right at me and asked “where’s Alicia ” I just said right here mom. It’s heartbreaking and you hit on the perfect description.
“It asks us to hold grief and love at the same time, which is one of the most spiritually advanced things a human being can do”
That sums it up. My mom passed on January 17th,but she still comes by to say hi to me often. I feel for you, or anyone that experiences a parent with memory issues. Its so hard to navigate. Much love, Alicia
Alicia, thank you so much for sharing this. My heart really goes out to you. That moment of your mom asking where you were, is heartbreaking, and you captured it so honestly. I’m so glad those words about holding grief and love resonated, because that’s exactly what these experiences ask of us, even when it feels unbearable.
I’m very sorry for your loss, and at the same time, I love hearing that you still feel your mom’s presence and connection with you. That kind of love doesn’t disappear. Thank you for your openness, your empathy, and for sending so much love. I’m holding you in my heart as well.
Dear Dougall, thank you for sharing what you are going through right now. It must be incredibly difficult and draining, emotionally and physically. There should never be shame around something like this. It is a fact of life that this happens to people and people need to support one another. Please take good care of yourself, Dougall, and journal/meditate/nature walks, whatever you need to nourish yourself. I wish you all the best and lots of love to you and your family! 💕
Barbara, thank you so much for your kindness and care. You’re right, there shouldn’t be any shame around this, and I appreciate you naming that so clearly. Your reminder to tend to my own nourishment means a lot, and I’m taking it to heart. Sending that love right back to you and feeling very grateful for your support. 💕
Whenever you share about your Dad, it brings me back to going through the same journey with my mom. My heart feels for you Dougall. Bringing my mom to assisted living was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. She wasn’t in a place mentally where she would have gone there willingly so we had to “trick/lie” and tell her she just had to stay there while her house was being fumigated. She never asked if her house was ready, never remembered the “lie”, but I still feel guilty to this day. My mom had Alzheimer’s and it is such a cruel disease. Fortunately her sense of humor was one of the last things she lost. Even when she wasn’t speaking much, she was able to get humor across with gestures or sounds. When she stopped saying “Oh it’s my daughter Jackie”…. Was tough. But I tried to take solace in the fact I could see recognition in her eyes and that she remembered she knew me.
They often refer to Alzheimer’s/Dementia as “The Long Goodbye” and I found that such an apt reference. I lost pieces of my mom slowly over the years.
I had my siblings and extended family on the journey with my mom. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing this journey with your Dad and know that I will be here to share your journey as well. Sending heart hugs and love.
Oh gosh Jackie, I really relate to everything you’re saying. It feels awful to lie in those moments but sometimes it’s necessary when cognitive decline gets more advanced and their safety is at stake. I trust that you did what was best to support your mom. I’m sending you so much love and thank you for sharing. 💛
Thank you so much for sharing your story, I live in England and the care system isn’t as nice as you have in America, so I am really struggling to try and do everything myself, alongside my Reiki business. I think by you and others sharing their journeys and experiences with Dementia, it helps others ( including me) to not feel alone on this journey with our parents. I must say, your oracle cards really do give me light in my days, so thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you Jules and I agree, sharing with others and knowing that we’re not going through this alone helps so much. Thank you for the kind words about the oracle deck, that means the world to me. 💜
My dear Dougall, I really understand you; I took care of my dad first and then my mom. It wasn’t easy, but tenderness and love always succeed, and that was so meaningful. I think that I was blessed to be with them until their last moment, giving back what I’ve received from them.
I know it is a difficult experience, but I trust in your immense heart and good will with all that surrounds you. You are a beautiful person, always in technicolor; that is what you can count on to give to your lovely dad.
My blessings for you and your family; this is a precious time life is giving to you. Sending you hugs and kisses; may love always be in your heart. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you so much Fernando, your words are kind and healing to read. You’re right, love is the most important thing. 💙
Dear Dougall, Thank you for your answer!!! Lots of love, peace of mind, and all the colors, as you have taught all of us!!!!
Blessings!!!!!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m caregiving my 90yr old mom (both from a distance and in person every 1-3 months) who has mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. I’ve learned so much, and also had some of my favorite times with her. I’ve seen how getting her thyroid medication taken correctly and those levels stabilizing has made a significant difference in her cognitive state. Sleep, routine, healthy meals also have a positive impact. I’ve discovered things out there that are a big help, like the digital clock that can also be programmed to have an alarm go off when 2pm meds are due, or it’s time to get ready for bed, and setting up a security camera (she and her husband agreed to it) so we can look in on her and make sure she’s ok. I’ve experienced how deeply meaningful it is and how deeply grateful I am for any bit of loving care she receives— the hired caregivers who come several times a week; the music therapist I have visiting her once a month; and the volunteer visitor from mom’s church.
Like you, I too have felt the shifts and stretch that caregiving brings. I can get off balance if I’m not careful and I have a times. Thank you again for sharing and opening up this conversation. You dad is very lucky to have you.
Wow Beth, thank you for taking the time to respond in such a compassionate, thoughtful and heartfelt way. You’re doing a beautiful job with your mom. I see and appreciate you. 💜
💜 p.s. Something I’m currently looking into is a virtual reality headset, through which my mom could ‘travel’ to Italy, experience a guided meditation…etc. I wanted to mention this as something that might be interesting to check out…for you/your time with your dad, and others here.
Big hugs It sucks and the responsibility is painful-frustrating yet a blessing and a lesson. Give yourself Grace and ask for help when you need it ✨️
We will have some beautiful conversations in Japan 2026💖
lazyassway.com
Thank you so much Laurie, I really appreciate you. 💜
Dougal,
What you are going through is a difficult, slow letting go of the parent you know and love. I am so grateful that your Dad has his humor and is sweet. That helps make this process a tiny bit easier.
I have been through this with my Grandmother and my Mother. It is a very sad thing to watch our loved ones slipping away.
You need to remember to take care of yourself first. Lean on your support system when you can. Most of all, hold your memories close in your heart. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. You are not alone in this either. Take care of yourself
Thank you so much Wendy, those are wise words and I really appreciate you taking the time to share. I will do my best to take your advice. Sending you love. ❤️
Hi Dougall. I’m sorry about your father’s dementia. That’s a hard road for all. My mother-in-law had Alzheimer’s for a few years before she died some years back. And now I worry about my husband, Michael. A year ago, while on a trip, he had to repeatedly ask me what our room number was where we were staying even though we’d been there a week. I asked him to get tested when we returned and learned he had memory loss. It wasn’t dementia or Alzheimer’s but it could have been due to the brain injury he experienced in 2019. But given his mother, I’ve been worried. And I fear it’s gotten a little worse since then. One thing I’m trying not to do is get annoyed or angry at Michael when he asks me the same thing he asked earlier in the day. A relative got angry at my MIL when she did that. Sending your father and your family prayers and a hug.
Thank you for sharing Joe and I totally agree about not getting angry when a loved one is forgetful. They have no idea that it’s happening and getting upset doesn’t help. Of course, that’s why it’s important to have a good support system in place. I understand your concern about your husband, and it sounds like you’re being proactive in a healthy way. Sending you and your husband both love and healing energy.
Dougall, as you know, I always liked and respected you. This is just another reason why. Thank you for your authentic and tender reflection of life with your dad and the complex emotions of caring. Having lost my mom and grandmother to the disease and another family member struggles today, I understand the misplaced shame and stigma. You’re right, we need to all be part of normalizing the conversation and creating a culture that allows and encourages meaningful support. If myself or my team at Leeza’s Care Connection can ever be of service, we are here. After all CARE is our middle name and we exist to care for family carepartners ❤️. I wish you strength, clarity and the unexpected blessings along the way on this difficult path. Your dad’s attitude seems incredible!
Thank you so much Leeza, I’m grateful for the time and effort you put in to raising awareness and compassion around this topic. I know you understand and can relate as you’ve been through this personally, as well as through the important work of Leeza’s Care Connection. P.S. I miss Hollywood Confidential! 💗
First of all, I send you a big cyber hug for caring so carefully and loyally for your father. Not every aging parent is blessed with someone so attentive and concerned. I also commend you for shedding light on the caregiving state. It’s challenging, but there are also gifts, I think, if we’re open to embrace them.
I cared for my mother single-handedly for the last 7 years of her life, watching her decline day by day. A relative once likened my situation to child-rearing which I thought was utterly tone-deaf on her part. When you raise a child, you watch their abilities grow as they mature; it’s quite a different story when you are front row to someone’s physical and mental decline. Challenging as those years were, I recognize that this long-haul life lesson gave me many gifts: increased patience (never easy for an Aries, lol), a different kind of seeing deeply into someone, and the growing sense that, perhaps, this service – caring for another human being – is truly what I think of now as “holy” work.
At first, I struggled to normalize our verbal exchanges, thinking that with repetition what I wanted her to know would finally take hold. Over time, I came to accept that I had to meet her wherever she was in her sense of “reality” on the day. Otherwise, I would frustrate myself by what felt like my repeated attempts to affix velcro to Jello. The Need-to-Knows just wouldn’t “take” so why did I keep insisting that somehow they should? We were both far, far happier meeting up in her “space” – wherever that was – a place where I wasn’t constantly delivering the subliminal message that there was “something wrong” with her. My job was to take care of her physical needs and safety and to keep reminding her that- wherever she was and however she acted – that she was loved just as she was.
Judy, your words resonate so strongly for me. It’s so wise to recommend meeting a loved one where they are at any given moment. I have noticed that things are much easier when I do this as well. Thank you for your kind, thoughtful, sensitive message, I appreciate you. 💜
Dougall, and it’s clear the Community stands in support of your “walk” with your father. I hope you’ll feel free to reach out to any of us should you need to connect with friends who are familiar with the twists of this particular life path. We’ve got you. 😉
Caregiver is Caregiving for a loved one and doing what is best for them and the right way to see it is not easy. I understand fully what you are saying as I cared for my Father for 26 years and the last 3 years were the hardest thing to do in the decision to place him in a place where he could be taken care of 24×7. I went to see him everyday to make sure he knew I was still taking care of him and his needs. It is hard and I will say I would do it all over again. I took care of him financially and that part was also harder than I can say. Thank you for sharing with us Dougall Fraser as my thoughts and prayers for you and your family and David are with you ❤️ 🙏 💙
Wow Janet, 26 years of care is a lot! I have so much respect for you and the decisions that you made to care for your dad. Sending you so much love. 💗
Dougall, thank you for speaking so honestly about this. It hits close to home. Years ago, when my mom passed and I was laid off in the same breath, I ended up caring for my ex-partner’s mother. We had been together for twelve years, and even though our relationship had ended, she had become family to me.
Those months were some of the most demanding and unexpected of my life. I was grieving my mom, trying to figure out my next step, and showing up every day for someone who needed help with even the smallest things. There were days I felt strong and days I felt completely emptied out.
What you said about holding grief and love at the same time, that’s exactly it. Caregiving stretches you in ways you don’t see coming. It asks you to stay open even when you’re tired, and to find pockets of grace you didn’t know you had.
I appreciate the compassion and honesty in how you shared this, and I know it’s going to help a lot of people who are walking through something similar.
Much love to you and your family.
Elias, thank you so much for sharing this. What you described carries so much depth, grief, love, and quiet strength all at once. To be grieving your mom, navigating a major life transition, and still showing up as a caregiver speaks volumes about your heart. I’m really moved by how you honored your ex-partner’s mother as family, even after the relationship had changed.
You said something so true about caregiving, about how it stretches us beyond what we think we have to give. Those moments of feeling both strong and completely emptied out are so real. Thank you for naming them so honestly and for offering such kindness back to me and my family. Sending you so much love and deep respect.
Dougall,
Sending so my love to you and yours as you move through this phase with your father. As many other’s have experienced, I also went through it with my mother and my mother-in-law. I think we understand that there is no shame in this however, witnessing the decline in our loves ones mental and physical capacities as well as wanting desperately to protect their dignity is an emotional challenge. The tables are turned and limiting their experiences such as driving, cooking etc. out of safety concerns though necessary can be painful for us as it is devastating for those who are losing their independence.
Again, sending you so much love during this difficult times and wishing you moments of joy, patience, love and happiness with your father. Sometimes a smile and holding your loved one’s hand is the best we can do with love in our heart.
Blessings,
Lisa
Lisa, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. You perfectly conveyed the complicated feelings involved around protecting a loved one, while also holding space for them to mourn the loss of independence. Sending love and positive healing energy. 🩵
Thank you so much, Dougall, for sharing your story. Almost every family has been touched by dementia. it was heartbreaking for me and also forced me to change to adapt to being something I never expected to be, a caregiver. My Dad developed dementia during the pandemic and my mother hid it from her four children in different locales during the shutdown. They fought change at every step, from giving up driving to sharing financial info so that it could be properly managed to moving out of their very cluttered unsafe 50 year home. Hopefully, these conversations will help prepare those who have yet to become caregivers for family members with dementia. It is not easy and our society doesn’t help as much as it could.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Twana. You’re absolutely right, dementia touches so many families, and nothing truly prepares us until a loved one is living it. What you went through with your parents sounds incredibly heavy, especially navigating it during the isolation of the pandemic and with so many difficult changes layered on top of each other. I really appreciate you naming how hard it is and how little support there often is. My hope, like yours, is that these conversations help others feel less alone and a bit more prepared. I’m sending you so much compassion and respect for the care and strength you’ve shown.
I’m thinking now of my last session with you. You made me feel supported, seen, and encouraged when I shared how I was helping my mom. You were so generous and kind with your words and intuitive guidance, and now I see you were going through your own journey with your dad. I’m so sorry for the hard parts of this. I send you love, support, and so much gratitude for knowing and learning from such a beautiful person as you. Your dad is so blessed to have you for his son, and even times when his mind forgets, his soul never will. ❤️
Kerri, thank you so much for this beautiful message. It touched my heart. I’m grateful our session felt supportive and meaningful for you, and it means more than I can say to feel that same care reflected back to me now. This journey with a parent is complex and vulnerable, and knowing we can hold space for each other makes it a little lighter. Your words about my dad really landed deeply. Thank you for your compassion, and for being such a generous, kind presence. 💙
Have known your dad since I a was a kid living in GC. Had the pleasure of working with him in the RE world. Sharp as a tack, always a gentleman. When I would ask how he was, he would always answer: “Superb”. He always spoke highly of you. Sorry to hear of the dementia. Hard to imagine him struggling with this. He’s lucky to have you looking after him.