Christmas in New Orleans

Mike and I went to New Orleans the week before Christmas.  It was decorated so beautifully! I just adore the wrought iron balconies in the French Quarter and Jackson Square was so pretty!

NOOKbook on SALE!!

Julita's Sands: A Memoir NOOKbook is on sale on www.barnesandnoble.com.  Get yours today!

Five years ago today...

...my mom died. I remember it like it was yesterday. I can still see the look in her eyes the last time I saw her that night. 

I just received an exciting, rewarding message from my cousins in New Jersey. They just bought the paperback copy of Julita's Sands: A Memoir. Miche, felt it had such an important, vital message and she gave it to her hospital. She is buying the hardcover now for herself and Adela, her sister. They asked me if I would autograph it for them....OF COURSE!!!!

Family is amazing, as are all my fans.

Still Coming Back

Who ever said that you should do the right thing? I thought taking care of mom was the right thing to do, but is doing what is right always the right thing to do? I am so confused. I am still trying to get my life together. Granted my sisters and I are on good terms again and I am grateful for that. Our kids are grown and have good lives, which I am very happy about. I mean, that's what any parent wants, is for their children to be happy and doing what they love. We have a beautiful, charming little granddaughter....what a blessing! Mike and I are getting along.........getting along. But, something is missing.

I am working on a second book, all about coming back and rebuilding my life after the loss of my mom. It is one of those 'dirty little secrets' that nobody wants to talk about. I believe it needs to be talked about because us caregivers suffer and struggle, almost more after our loved one dies. It's hard!

The miracle of building bridges

It's a miracle! Well after about 7 years of shattered sisterhood, my two sisters and I are talking again. I decided to open the door and clear the air with both of them.  All the stuff that caused each of us much pain seems so miniscule now. I know mom is watching from above and smiling down upon us. She always encouraged us to be kind to each other but, unfortunately things happen in life and we all handle it in our own way.  I thought I lost my sisters during my caregiving journey with mom while she suffered from dementia.  We all said and did some terrible things back then, but, thank God we are now able and willing to let bygones be bygones and continue to build bridges.

Thank you!!

A big thanks to all who bought my book Julita's Sands: A Memoir!  Thanks to you I just gave a substantial donation to Leeza's Place (a program of the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation) in Melbourne, Florida. Please tell your friends and family about the book. The more sales, the more I can give to support family caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's and other dementias.