This week marks the 5th anniversary of my blog, The Lost Kitchen, which features the ups and downs of caring for my mom who has Alzheimer’s. Mom was diagnosed eight years ago. And the blog was created a few years later as a platform from which to publicize a book I had started writing back then with my dad, The Man’s Emergency Cookbook. That’s what we wanted to call it, a humorous nod to all the men out there who had to learn to cook because their situations had changed drast

Sometimes I feel so tired and overwhelmed by the enormity of caring and loving my mom. I try hard not to show it when I’m with her, though there have been occasions when I lean back and let her prattle on, with barely the energy to nod my head at her outrageous conversation. Mostly, though, it is enchanting to sing and smile with her and supply the words she struggles to remember. It’s Mom’s birthday tomorrow. She’s turning 77. We will of course tell her, and celebrate, but s

Let’s get this straight. I do not want your pity. I don’t want you to commiserate on how difficult it must be, this Alzheimer’s, this dealing with the slow disintegration of my beloved mom. I already know it’s difficult. And you do, too. Please don't dwell on those dark and obvious challenges. And I will try not to pity you over the burden you carry, whatever it may be. We all carry some hardship that shadows all we do in our lives. The key is to acknowledge it, to openly tal