On Saturday I attended a volunteer recognition reception hosted by the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter. It was an enlightening afternoon.

As you may know, my mother has Alzheimer's disease. Even though our family is fortunate to have each other and the help of professional caregivers, I often feel overwhelmed — with worry, sadness, responsibilities ...

For the past three months I’ve been taking some courses at the University of Southern Maine. It has been a wonderful, wonderful experience and the beginning of a journey that I expect will take several years. 

One of the things I’ve already learned is that I may only be able to take one course a semester because right now I’m also committed to my work — writing Catching Health, among other things. Taking two classes, one that meets all day long every Monday and another that meets every Tuesday and Thursday morning, has messed up my normal routine. So … what do you suppose I’ve given up these past three months?  Read more ...