Blog

Mark A. Taylor 1/31/24 Mark A. Taylor 1/31/24

Amid today’s unprecedented criticism, I thank God for the church!

We have a wonderful support network, and I realize most of it stems from one source: the church. Despite the church’s many flaws, I thank God for the church!

Mark A. Taylor 1/17/24 Mark A. Taylor 1/17/24

All’s well that ends well enough: a record of this week’s surprises

Tuesday was a LONG day! Things are looking better on Wednesday.

Mark A. Taylor 1/3/24 Mark A. Taylor 1/3/24

Thinking about sniffles in a whole new way: It’s not ‘JUST a cold’

Even this small compromise of my energy reminds me that my good health is vital for our household to function these days.

Mark A. Taylor 12/27/23 Mark A. Taylor 12/27/23

‘Keeping Christmas,’ it happened again for us, even this year

Different to be sure, but Christmas this year didn’t go unmarked or uncelebrated. We’ll always remember how we “kept Christmas” at the end of 2023.

Mark A. Taylor 12/20/23 Mark A. Taylor 12/20/23

I’ll not call this a Christmas letter, just a greeting from the heart

We’re not sending cards this year, but maybe this heartfelt greeting will be enough to take their place.

Mark A. Taylor 12/13/23 Mark A. Taylor 12/13/23

It comes slowly, so I’ll keep at it—again and again and again

A friend wrote after reading last week’s post to say, “I’m deeply moved by your practice of gratitude.”

Mark A. Taylor 12/6/23 Mark A. Taylor 12/6/23

‘Different’ describes our days, including our Christmas this year

Different is the category for every aspect of our life right now. Christmas will simply fit the pattern.

Mark A. Taylor 11/22/23 Mark A. Taylor 11/22/23

Because? In spite of? I’m learning to be grateful in both situations

Gratitude can fall into one of two categories. Most often it fits in both.

Mark A. Taylor 11/15/23 Mark A. Taylor 11/15/23

Talking to myself in a room that feels empty. This is my story

Three quotes give me something to remember that will help lighten my caregiving load.

Mark A. Taylor 11/8/23 Mark A. Taylor 11/8/23

Saturday, Sunday, sad: Her memory is the least of her losses

A slice of our life to give a broader picture of our every day with Alzheimer’s. Memory is only the beginning of the problems.

Mark A. Taylor 11/1/23 Mark A. Taylor 11/1/23

We knew the season for sheltering fragile life wasn’t far away

Rereading a post from one year ago reminds me the cycle continues and the circle won’t end.

Mark A. Taylor 10/25/23 Mark A. Taylor 10/25/23

Perspective comes from noting the blessings. So I’ll jot a few here

I call this “My Chronicle,” sort of a diary recording the steps on our journey. And this week I feel I must mention that many of them are quite pleasant.

Mark A. Taylor 10/18/23 Mark A. Taylor 10/18/23

No matter their age, it’s a privilege to partner on the journey

Listen with me to the interactions between a young parent and her child, and see if you’re hearing the same phrases today.

Mark A. Taylor 10/11/23 Mark A. Taylor 10/11/23

Even when it comes in small doses, satisfaction is something to savor

I’ve been thinking about happiness and contentment and satisfaction. And I can report that the last goal, although not always automatic, is the easiest to achieve.

Mark A. Taylor 9/27/23 Mark A. Taylor 9/27/23

Handling the new while grieving the loss of the old: It’s not easy

Capitalizing on the present while admitting and grieving the loss of the past is the challenge for everyone loving a person with a debilitating disease.

Mark A. Taylor 9/6/23 Mark A. Taylor 9/6/23

What I’m deciding these days: Blunted blessings are still blessings!

The blessings showered on us are all welcome—even though so many are shadowed by the unpleasant difficulties of this season.

Mark A. Taylor 8/30/23 Mark A. Taylor 8/30/23

Stanley Tucci, Italian cooking, cancer, and the meaning of life

I was getting a little bored with the book till I came to the last chapter and realized Tucci had touched something far more profound than what we’ll fix for dinner.