Only miles and bars separate a son from his father. by J. Grant Swank I just got home from visiting my son — in prison. My wife and I drove the l000 miles one way, hitting the road last Tuesday morning. It was one interstate after another — not the easiest jaunt in the…
Read moreYear: 2010
Tonya’s Cup
Breaking through a young girl’s personal prison. by Penny Smith “C’mon, Tonya, just a few more bites,” I coaxed, trying to catch up to her mouth with the fork as she dodged from side to side. Eventually she reached out and guided the fork to her mouth while staring vacantly into space. At last…
Read moreTonya’s Cup: What is Autism?
Definition: Infantile autism is a syndrome with symptoms of self-absorption and aloneness that appear in early childhood or are present from birth. The term autism was introduced by Leo Kanner in 1943 to describe a developmental condition in which children are unable to form meaningful relationships or to mature socially, despite excellent motor skills….
Read moreNurturing a Blue Rose
“And a little child shall lead them.” by Tammy Vice as told to Linda Owen We were your ordinary family. My husband, Rudy, worked long, hard hours so we could take vacations. My daughter, Allison, enjoyed school and had a passion for horses. When I wasn’t being a mom, I was wrapped up in…
Read moreMy Alzheimer’s Shadow: A Journey from Anger to Trust
by Patte Earley as told to Betty J. Johnson “I am so angry. I’m fifty-one years old and my husband, Bill, has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Where do I focus my anger?” I cried. “Are you mad at God?” Mary asked. “No, I’m not angry at God, because I don’t believe this…
Read moreHow to Cope With Alzheimer’s Disease
Survival is possible by understandingthe disease and its victim. by LeAnn Campbell According to the National Alzheimer’s Association, approximately four million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and that number will increase to 14 million by the middle of the century unless researchers find a cure or prevention. The disease affects one in ten people over…
Read moreHow to Cope With Alzheimer’s-Resources
For caregiving tips, newsletter, and resources, write or call National Family Caregivers Association, 9621 East Bexhill Drive, Kensington, MD 20895-3104; 1-800-896-3650; http://www.nfcacares.org. Support services available at National Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611-1676; fax 312-335-1110; http://www.alz.org; 1-800-272-3900. Here are titles of helpful brochures: Just the Facts…
Read moreFor His Good Reason
Learning to accept a plan you don’t understand. by Marcie Nootenboom My hand shook as I held the phone. I tried to stand, but collapsed on the chair as my whole body began to shake. I’d just been told the diagnosis that my now-deceased husband had been given many years ago was a mistake….
Read moreCoping With a Disabled Husband
A devoted wife learns how to honor her husbandwhile dealing with his disease. by Marcia Alice Mitchell Shortly after Lee and I were married, he began to lose his balance while walking. Initially, the doctors thought he might have Multiple Sclerosis. They later amended the diagnosis to Cerebral Atrophy, then Atrophy of the Cerebellum,…
Read moreCaregiving: A Dose of Reality
Learning to care for a senior adultthe way God cares for us. by Sharon Lee Goodman Old sayings often speak the truth about life in a sharp and honest manner: “Fish and company stink after three days.” “Houseguests, who stay past their welcome, visit at their own risk.” Both of these are good examples…
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