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.

Wow, number 1!

It may not be a big deal to anyone else but it is to me. It touches me because I wasn't sure that my story would affect others the way that it has. I am thrilled with the reviews I've received. Just the fact that Cybergwen has Julita's Sands: A Memoir on her favs list means a lot to me.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2946583?shelf=favs

Another move

Well, I feel like a gypsy because we're moving again! This is three times in less than a year, but it is all good.  We're on our way to Orlando. I am very excited about this transition because there are many wonderful things ahead for me there.  It's a hopping town with so much to see and do, and the best thing is we will be closer to our grandaughter. Yay!!! 

Today I am starting the packing process.  That should be fun!!

Deeply touched!!

I found this when I checked my e-mails. I'm at a loss for words but my heart is full.
Here's the e-mail that I received from Leeza Gibbons.

Thu, November 4, 2010 7:01:40 PM

your wonderful book

From:	Leeza Gibbons
To:	emilyplacido@yahoo.com
Cc:	Sierra LGE

---

Hi Emily,

I wanted to reach out to you and thank you for taking the time to send me your incredible book, Julita's Sands.  The fact that you have written this for (and dedicated it to) caregivers is beautiful.

Like you, I made a promise to my mom and it's great to see how powerful that is.

You are a wonderful writer and your book will no doubt offer hope and that celebratory spirit in which you authored it. 

Your Mom reminds me so much of mine....a candid, strong personality whose life story and legacy is making a difference. 

Thank you, thank you for the great inspiration, dedication and heart which you demonstrated in your fantastic book!

Ever forward,

Leeza

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Leeza Gibbons Enterprises
7257 Beverly Blvd. Suite 218
Los Angeles, CA  90036
323.634.0581http://www.leezagibbons.com
http://www.leezasplace.org
Twitter - http://twitter.com/LeezaGibbons
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leeza-Gibbons/95934828589

Emptying my Bucket List.

For many years I have wanted to go parasailing and I finally did it!  Mike and I spent the week in Key West and I coaxed him into going parasailing with me. The feeling is euphoric when you are up in the sky. If that's what birds experience up there, than I want to be a bird!

So, parasailing was one of the items on my bucket list and I can check it off now :-) I still need to go up in a hot air balloon and see the natural wonders. Oh, so much to see and do :-)

One of those miracle days!!

Yesterday I had a wonderful, fulfilling day!!  In the morning, I spoke to the 'caregiver support group' at Leeza's Place in Melbourne.  It was a thrill to see my old friends and to meet new ones. Afterwards, we went out to lunch with my dear friends Chris and Carlee, and after we finished eating Carlee and I danced in the parking lot of Applebees (Carlee has Alzheimer's and Parkinsons). He laughed and had so much fun!  Then I went to visit another dear friend, Vinnie, at the nursing home. He is in the last stages of Alzheimer's and was not very responsive. He showed no signs that he knew who I was but I talked to him, hugged him, and just let him know that people loved him. It was kind of sad, but there were flashes of enlightening moments and I am so glad that I saw Vinnie and spent some time with him.

In the afternoon, Mike and I went to see the kids, and we all went to the pumpkin patch so that Giada could pick out a pumpkin. The day was filled with joy and sadness. It was one of those miracle days!!!