Living with Uncle and his Dementia

Glenn and his wife rushed to Uncle’s house and what they found horrified them.

“He had no electricity in the house. Nothing was on. And he was slouched in this hallway. My god, we didn’t recognize him.”

Uncle was emaciated. It looked like he hadn’t eaten for weeks.

“His hair was down to his shoulders, he hadn’t shaved. He stunk,” Glenn recalls.

When they took him to the emergency room the doctor told them Uncle would have died within a few hours had they not found him when they did. He spent six weeks in the hospital and another seven at rehab.

And then Glenn and Joan did something that changed their lives. They decided to bring Uncle home with them. They would take care of him.

Written by Jade Moon

Christmas without a loved one



At this time of year people turn their attention to holidays, sacred and otherwise. They gather close their family and friends to celebrate with them. It’s a good time to appreciate the connections that make life meaningful and deep. It’s a good time to take stock of life’s priorities. And it’s a good time to reaffirm the truth of all human existence—that love, in all its forms, is what makes our world go round.

Written by Jade Moon

I dream of beach days

Dreaming of beach days- photo by Jade Moon

The memories I have are like nuggets of gold-- the crunch of sand, hot and gritty between my toes; the caress of ocean waves warmed by the sun. Most of all, the strength of my father as he carried me on smooth, broad shoulders and walked into the sea-- deeper, deeper until he was almost fully submerged. He lowered me into the water even as I clung to him like an opihi, weightless and warm and loved. 

Written by Jade Moon