Caregiver Village is a virtual world and game where caregivers can connect, play, share their story, and find resources. When I was in the throes of helping to care for my mom, I felt so isolated. I had no idea there were millions of caregivers around the world in similar situations. Looking back, I wonder how different my experience would have been if I had a space to share my stress, vent my frustration, and find support from other caregivers. Now, caregivers can do that very thing at Caregiver Village. I’m so happy to be able to help foster new friendships, connections, and create an online support system for caregivers everywhere.

For a limited time the first year of membership is free (a $50 value) and Caregiver Village will donate $1 to the Alzheimer’s Association for every new member that joins through this link. Join me today in this innovative endeavor to reach out and improve the lives of caregivers all over the country.

Still, there’s something so wild and untouched about Alaska that leaves me longing for more every time we visit. It could be the moose that graze in the front grass of our friends’ home. It could be the bear black bear that meandered his way up their drive. It could be the midnight sun, the forests packed tightly next to town, or the severe mountains with ice-blue glaciers that meet frozen seas.

But, Alaska for me is a state of mind. It’s traveling back in time. Sure, that could be due to the fact that the state boasts a meager 700,000 residents which means there’s over a square mile of land for every man, woman and child. I suppose hiking around a corner and running into a mama moose and her calf, or attaching bear bells to my backpack help to establish the idea that Alaska at its core doesn’t quite belong to us. In Alaska, whether on a remote trail or next to a big box store life remains untamed. Tapping into this untamed land (even for a short chunk of time) reminds me to embrace our wild open spaces and get out and explore.

“Broadsheet360 is an online magazine where we dive into topics and points of view designed to provoke connections, conversations, and change your perspective.”

Your thoughts and feedback are welcome, now back to summer.

More to come, but in the meantime here’s a teaser that sums up where we’re going:  Broadsheet360 always more than 140 characters.

2010 brought its fair share of joys and sorrows in our household.  When I glance back it’s not the highs or lows I remember, but rather the assortment of common, casual, and endearingly comfortable days in between.  Even more so, I’ll remember this as the decade that I came of age.  I lost a parent, gained a child, and learned how I define myself in the world.   

I think it will be interesting to see how history reflects on this chunk of time.  But, I’ll leave the postulating and comparative lists on advancements in technology and celebrity gossip to the year-end pundits.  Instead I’ll turn inward with my thoughts this winter’s evening and leave you with someone else’s words:

“New Year’s Eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights.”  ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

Wishing you health and happiness in 2011.

The process of writing was cathartic, painful, and transforming.  I’m so thankful to my incredible family who willingly allowed me to share our worst and best moments in print.  I hope that in sharing our story, we’ll help smooth the path for those who come behind us.

My deepest thanks also go out to my network of friends and fellow writers, who provided insight, painstakingly edited the manuscript, and cheered me on in the process!  I’m forever grateful for your feedback, listening ears, and coffee runs. 

Alzheimer’s may have stolen pieces of my mother, but writing this book has made her whole again, something I never would have imagined four years ago. 

Click here to buy your copy of Underneath the Ash today!

In writing the stories that appear in the feature, I interviewed professionals, caregivers, and some incredible people living with Alzheimer’s.  I was humbled by the experience, and struck by how dramatically things have changed since my mom’s death.  When my mom was in the early stages of the disease we never uttered the word Alzheimer’s in front her.  We spoke in hushed tones, and told strangers she had “mild cognitive impairment.”  We struggled with how to help her interact at the grocery store or when ordering coffee, and tried to shelter her as much as possible. 

This is not the case for the families I interviewed.  They’ve embraced the disease in ways I never could, and in doing so are paving a new path for those who come behind them.  Rather than shrinking away, they’re standing tall and saying, “Yep, I’ve got Alzheimer’s and I’m still here. Talk to me!”  I know that a decade or so from now, we’ll look back at this time and recognize this is the moment that Alzheimer’s became a cause.  I’m forever grateful that I was able to witness it.

To read the section in its entirety click here.

But on to other news…my blog is just one of many things that has sat neglected while enjoying this near-perfect Pacific Northwest summer.  It’s been an unusual summer in some ways as we’ve flipped between a flurry of events and ultra-lazy days lounging in the sun.  We’ve been reading some of my childhood favorites, including John D. Fitzgerald’s The Great Brain.  I so love hearing Luke laugh out loud at the adventures of J.D, Tom and Sweyn.  “The Water Closet” chapter has gotten a ton of play in our household.  Some stories, particularly those involving toilets and first grade boys, stand the test of time.

Our trip to Italy may have permanently ruined him for childhood camps.  After talking up how cool the Dino Camp he attended last week was going to be, he was convinced that he and his buddies would be excavating and searching for actual dinosaur bones and historical sites.  His comment after the first day, “Uh, Mom, we just dug for plastic stuff, it wasn’t a real dig site like in Rome.”  Right.  Good to know.

Summer vacation has also consisted of building a secret passage in the hedge between our house and the neighbor’s, S’mores on the BBQ, sleeping in, hours spent exploring outside, and an addiction to the mindless TV show Wipeout. 

While the boys have gone off on muddy fishing adventures, I’ve been working with my publisher on the launch of Underneath the Ash!  I still pinch myself sometimes when I think about it.  Check back tomorrow for a sneak peek of the cover design.  I love it.  I know my mom would have too, and that’s the best gift of the entire summer.