By Marianne Sciucco, New York, USA
In a health crisis, we often refer to our journey as a “battle.” We may see ourselves as “warriors.” This is true for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. The diagnosis brings uncertainty, disruption, and fear. But what happens when you’re dealing with dementia in the middle of a war zone? When airstrikes are the norm, and screeching sirens interrupt each day, warning you to seek safety and shelter in a minute or less? When ordinary life ceases and the top of mind issue is simply staying alive? Avoiding disaster? Breathing?
On October 7th, Miriam Green, an author living in Israel just 30 miles from the Gaza border, found her life as a caregiver turned upside down when terrorists invaded her country. In this podcast, she shares with us the horror and brutality of what occurred, how her country, her family, friends and community have been affected by this conflict, and how they are dealing with it. She is a mother, daughter, grandmother, and wife, and like most women juggles her responsibilities as best as she can on a good day. Now, she struggles to find peace in the chaos, searching for meaningful, uplifting moments, even hope, while carefully balancing her family’s needs. We are grateful to her for speaking with us. We take no sides in this conflict, and pray for a peaceful resolution soon.
Quote: The staff at my mom’s facility are heroes. They are protecting their patients in the wake of these incoming rockets. And after every siren sounds, we get a little notification on WhatsApp that, thank God, everything is well. – Miriam Green, caregiver
In this episode, you will:
- Learn how Miriam finds brief moments of solace and peace in the midst of war
- See how her mother’s care community maintains a routine and stability for their patients even in the most challenging of circumstances, giving them a sense of familiarity and security
- Discover the unique challenges faced by caregivers who are helping to raise grandchildren while caring for aging parents in war time
- Gain insights into the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, and learn how to nurture these qualities within yourself and your care recipients
About Miriam Green
Miriam Green is the author of The Lost Kitchen: Reflections and Recipes from an Alzheimer’s Caregiver. Her poetry has been published in several journals, including Poet Lore, The Prose Poem Project, Ilanot Review, The Barefoot Review, and Poetica Magazine. Her poem, “Mercy of a Full Womb,” won the 2014 Jewish Literary Journal’s 1st anniversary competition. Her poem, “Questions My Mother Asked, Answers My Father Gave Her,” won the 2013 Reuben Rose Poetry prize. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Bar Ilan University, and a BA from Oberlin College. Miriam is a 24-year resident of Israel.
After the Podcast
Find Miriam on Facebook and on Twitter
Read Miriam’s AlzAuthors blog post
Read Jack Cohen’s AlzAuthors blog post
Purchase The Lost Kitchen: Reflections and Recipes from an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Purchase Life on Planet Alz by Jack Cohen, Miriam’s father
Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission on book sales which will cost you nothing.
About the Podcast
AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.
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