October 31, 2024 • 13 mins
Whimsical Wisdom and Faith in Caregiving
In this introductory episode of ‘Grannies Talking Dementia,’ hosts Rayna Neises and Tonja Moon share their personal experiences with dementia caregiving, covering powerful stories of their loved ones, the critical role of faith, and practical tips for caregivers.
Supported by The Grandbaby Project, they introduce the concept of using therapy dolls and the importance of maintaining humor and joy in the caregiving journey.
The episode emphasizes the mission to inspire, educate, and provide a sense of community and compassion for both family and professional caregivers.
00:00 Welcome to Grannies Talking Dementia
00:45 Rayna’s Personal Journey with Dementia
04:21 Tonja’s Story and The Grandbaby Project
08:00 The Therapeutic Power of Dementia Dolls
10:32 Faith, Laughter, and Caregiving Wisdom
12:50 Conclusion and Blessing
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
Welcome to Grannies Talking Dementia.
We're your hosts, Rayna Neises. 3 00:00:07,89.999 --> 00:00:19,405 And Tonja Moon, we are in cahoots with the Grandbaby Project, Offering whimsical wisdom, inspiring support, and joyful engagement for everyone involved in the dementia care journey, whether you're a family caregiver.
or a professional in the field.
Each of our episodes is designed to uplift, educate, and empower you as we navigate this caregiving life together.
(00:29):
Today's episode is brought to you by The Grandbaby Project. 7 00:00:33,215.001 --> 00:00:36,945.001 Knock, knock, Who's there? Daryl. 8 00:00:37,500.001 --> 00:00:40,853.542666667 Daryl, who? There'll never be anyone as crazy as you. 9 00:00:43,501.15725 --> 00:00:45,141.15725 Oh, I love the knock knock jokes. 10 00:00:45,171.15725 --> 00:00:56,561.15725 So speaking of crazy, you know, years ago, that's how people referred to folks with dementia was they were just crazy and it was just accepted. 11 00:00:56,861.15725 --> 00:00:58,651.15625 That's kind of what brought us here, Rayna. 12 00:00:58,671.15625 --> 00:01:05,941.15625 So talk to me and ask a little bit about why dementia education and encouragement is so important to you. 13 00:01:07,56.15725 --> 00:01:17,896.15825 Well, sadly, I have walked that walk and when you say that about people being crazy, I remember a great grandmother that my parents talked about that had senility, right? The word that we used to use. 14 00:01:18,276.15825 --> 00:01:22,396.15725 But sadly, I actually have lost both of my parents to alzheimer's disease. 15 00:01:22,666.15825 --> 00:01:27,926.15825 My mom was only 53 years old when she was diagnosed and she lived 12 years with the disease. 16 00:01:27,936.15825 --> 00:01:29,266.15825 I was just 16. 17 00:01:29,766.15825 --> 00:01:34,256.15825 And that was way back in the eighties and there was just no information available. 18 00:01:34,681.15825 --> 00:01:43,911.15825 Obviously as a teenager, they probably weren't talking to me about it a whole lot anyway, but everything I learned came from my senior English writing, project that I had to do. 19 00:01:43,921.15725 --> 00:01:47,401.15725 And there was so little information out there. 20 00:01:47,411.15825 --> 00:01:48,841.15825 It was really difficult. 21 00:01:49,221.15825 --> 00:01:57,211.15825 Just seven years after my mom passed away, my dad was diagnosed and he lived 14 years with the disease and we just lost him in 2018. 22 00:01:57,221.15725 --> 00:02:03,441.15825 There was so much more information, but even then there wasn't the support that I think that's available today. 23 00:02:03,441.15825 --> 00:02:18,916.15825 I'm excited to be able to be here, to be part of Grannies Talkin Dementia, to add that to the repertoire of things that I have done to help support others between writing my book, No Regrets, Hope for Your Caregiving Season and offering other services at A Season of Caring. 24 00:02:18,936.15825 --> 00:02:21,826.15825 I'm excited to be a part of this time. 25 00:02:22,36.15825 --> 00:02:30,396.15825 I know for me, one of the number one things in caring for my dad was to remember that I always wanted to care for him through the lens of what made him happy and healthy. 26 00:02:30,676.15825 --> 00:02:37,576.15825 and so no matter what those choices were, if it made him happier or healthier, I was willing to jump in and do that with him. 27 00:02:37,576.15825 --> 00:02:44,496.15825 and so I think learning to find ways to do that is so important and that's what I'm excited to be able to share with our listeners. 28 00:02:45,366.15825 --> 00:02:47,356.15825 Yeah, so thank you for that. 29 00:02:47,386.15825 --> 00:02:55,966.15725 And one thing I know that was important to you and me as well, as we kind of embarked upon this podcast journey was bringing the things through the lens of faith. 30 00:02:55,976.15725 --> 00:03:05,136.15825 So we just share with our listeners a little bit how faith played such a vital role in really being so young and having to deal with your mom. 31 00:03:05,956.15825 --> 00:03:16,16.15825 Yeah, I was so blessed that and I mean, at the time, I certainly didn't feel that way, but when I was just in junior high, my very best friend moved away and we had so many plans. 32 00:03:16,836.15825 --> 00:03:24,616.15725 We were just teenage girls that were looking forward to doing high school together and she moved and that was a turning point in my faith. 33 00:03:24,986.15825 --> 00:03:29,906.15825 Because I just had to learn to lean on the Lord and he actually became my very best friend. 34 00:03:30,206.15825 --> 00:03:38,736.15825 So I can remember that time just a few years later when my mom was diagnosed with this terminal illness that I just didn't really understand what was happening. 35 00:03:38,986.15825 --> 00:03:41,216.15825 I would just, pour my heart out to Him. 36 00:03:41,246.15825 --> 00:03:44,846.15825 And so really having that relationship, he became my BFF. 37 00:03:45,286.15825 --> 00:03:56,746.15825 And so just having that relationship with the Lord helped me to be able to find peace, even in the middle of those really hard and confusing things and has continued to be such an important cornerstone in my life. 38 00:03:57,726.15825 --> 00:03:59,646.15825 Yeah, that's fantastic. 39 00:03:59,936.15725 --> 00:04:01,956.15725 And it led to your book, which is amazing. 40 00:04:02,6.15725 --> 00:04:15,26.15625 So I've felt so blessed to have been able to share our story and just offer practical tips and stories that can help others in their journey, because there are no two journeys that are the same, but we can learn so much from each other. 41 00:04:15,276.15725 --> 00:04:19,931.15725 And by being able to share those things, it's just been a blessing to be able to help yeah. 42 00:04:21,66.15725 --> 00:04:24,266.15725 So Tonja, I know Alzheimer's impacted your life. 43 00:04:24,266.15725 --> 00:04:28,666.15725 Share with us a little bit about you and The Grandbaby Project and Granny. 44 00:04:29,61.15725 --> 00:04:34,871.15525 Yes, so my, my grandmother, had senality. 45 00:04:35,391.15625 --> 00:04:40,501.15625 So she's been gone going on 17 years and we didn't know anything about dementia. 46 00:04:40,521.15625 --> 00:04:41,631.15625 No one talks about dementia. 47 00:04:41,631.15625 --> 00:04:46,298.60625 I mean, I was 35 actually at the time. 48 00:04:46,758.60625 --> 00:04:52,628.60625 And I just thought that everybody just got old and lost their memory and you just put them in a nursing home. 49 00:04:52,638.60625 --> 00:04:55,558.60525 I mean, that's kind of, I just, that was normal. 50 00:04:55,568.60625 --> 00:04:56,388.60525 That's what I thought. 51 00:04:56,438.60625 --> 00:05:06,228.60725 And so, anyway, I had the honor, I can call it an honor today looking back, but in the moment, it was hard of helping to care for my grandmother. 52 00:05:06,998.60725 --> 00:05:10,978.60725 And as her disease progressed, so did her aggression. 53 00:05:11,418.60725 --> 00:05:18,38.60725 And I had never in my life seen someone go from sweet to totally salty. 54 00:05:18,288.60725 --> 00:05:21,658.60725 I mean, she was a handful. 55 00:05:22,28.60725 --> 00:05:26,68.60725 And That's how The Grandbaby Project was birthed. 56 00:05:26,158.60725 --> 00:05:30,658.60725 God put a very specific seed in my heart after her passing. 57 00:05:31,98.60725 --> 00:05:37,778.60725 And one of the ways that we became able to connect with my grandmother was through giving her a baby doll. 58 00:05:38,528.60725 --> 00:05:41,758.60725 And everyone thought we were crazy and nuts. 59 00:05:41,758.60725 --> 00:05:44,18.60725 I even thought it was kind of kooky. 60 00:05:44,288.60725 --> 00:05:49,238.60725 We gave it to her and she literally thought she'd been handed a newborn baby. 61 00:05:49,528.60625 --> 00:05:55,488.60625 And we always joked that nanny loved her grandkids way more than she loved her regular children. 62 00:05:55,488.60625 --> 00:05:58,68.60725 I mean, she made that pretty obvious and let everybody know it. 63 00:05:58,488.60725 --> 00:06:04,998.60725 And so the Lord planted a seed in me before I even knew what dementia was, what it meant. 64 00:06:05,443.60725 --> 00:06:10,833.60725 And that seed was one day you will put dolls in the arms of people with dementia. 65 00:06:11,373.60725 --> 00:06:26,703.60625 And so we launched The Grand Baby Project, our nonprofits going on four years ago, we deliver thousands of dementia therapy dolls to seniors all across the country that are living with dementia or other cognitive challenges. 66 00:06:26,733.60625 --> 00:06:32,148.60625 And it's just been an amazing, amazing blessing. 67 00:06:32,238.60625 --> 00:06:36,658.60625 And when I look back on how it all came about, God is so good. 68 00:06:37,188.60625 --> 00:06:42,18.60625 I was in corporate sales at the time of my grandmother's passing. 69 00:06:42,58.60625 --> 00:06:48,718.60525 And while I helped to care for her and she went on hospice, I loved her hospice nurse. 70 00:06:49,238.60625 --> 00:06:58,123.60625 And I left corporate sales and went into hospice where I spent almost 17 years, worked my way up the ladder. 71 00:06:58,413.60625 --> 00:07:03,483.60525 And I was always so drawn to dementia patients at the end of life. 72 00:07:03,783.60625 --> 00:07:07,183.60625 And so I've seen so many things up close and personal. 73 00:07:07,623.60625 --> 00:07:19,748.60625 And I took a little bit of all of those experiences with me and those relationships I was able to build really help project and propel The Grand Baby Project forward. 74 00:07:20,148.60625 --> 00:07:22,588.60425 And so, yeah, here we are. 75 00:07:22,588.60525 --> 00:07:29,913.60525 And our mission in the project is to bless people living with dementia with, beautiful little companions. 76 00:07:30,213.60525 --> 00:07:34,153.60525 Then we've since launched a whole other company that is focused on training caregivers. 77 00:07:34,163.60525 --> 00:07:49,318.60525 So it's been a journey that was super hard, but every one of those hard steps got us to today, and the Lord knows our steps before we ever take 'em, right? And so I can look back and finally take a big, deep breath and say, okay, I'm on the right track. 78 00:07:49,318.60525 --> 00:07:52,888.60525 So, yes, it is very, very near and dear to my heart. 79 00:07:52,888.60525 --> 00:07:57,978.60525 If I could make a living, just spending every day with people with dementia, I just would love on 'em and hung on 'em. 80 00:07:57,978.60525 --> 00:07:58,638.60525 I just love them. 81 00:08:00,393.60525 --> 00:08:16,403.60425 Well, and I love you mentioned to their dolls, but their, their therapy, and that's something that through research and really investing in the people you're caring for, you found so many great things about understanding this and helping to educate people about that. 82 00:08:17,268.60525 --> 00:08:18,808.60525 You know, it's very interesting. 83 00:08:18,838.60525 --> 00:08:20,548.60525 So I'm like, okay, I have this idea. 84 00:08:20,548.60525 --> 00:08:24,978.60525 Now what? So I did what every, red blooded American does when they want to do something new. 85 00:08:24,978.60525 --> 00:08:31,608.60425 I went on Google and typed in Dementia Doll Therapy Class and there was nothing in the United States. 86 00:08:32,348.60525 --> 00:08:33,458.60525 There was nothing. 87 00:08:33,488.60525 --> 00:08:42,838.60525 And I knew from my hospice days that it was very common to walk into a skilled nursing facility and see a little lonely lady with a, eight to 10 inch plastic baby doll. 88 00:08:43,198.60525 --> 00:08:46,258.60525 But there was no training, no nothing around it. 89 00:08:46,258.60525 --> 00:08:53,338.60525 And so I literally, for years, had to study under a neurologist in the UK because there was nothing here. 90 00:08:53,628.60525 --> 00:08:56,748.60525 And it is absolutely a form of therapy. 91 00:08:57,393.60525 --> 00:09:16,833.60425 It is unbelievable to see what we're able to see every single day from people who haven't spoken in years to start singing an old lullaby to this little beautiful baby that they may or may not think is real, but there's a connection there and, here we are delivering thousands of dolls. 92 00:09:17,538.60525 --> 00:09:22,698.94967319 I mean, we have dolls in Africa, in Mexico City, New Zealand and then all throughout the United States. 93 00:09:22,718.94967319 --> 00:09:30,228.94967319 And so, it's also very, very precious to me that Nanny's legacy can live on as do her earrings dangling from my ears. 94 00:09:30,228.94967319 --> 00:09:32,178.94867319 She wore gigantic jewelry all the time. 95 00:09:32,178.94867319 --> 00:09:34,698.94967319 So for our podcast, I'm wearing her big earrings. 96 00:09:35,128.94967319 --> 00:09:36,558.94967319 bold red earrings. 97 00:09:36,918.94967319 --> 00:09:41,388.94967319 I know if I had known your nanny that she would have been my favorite person. 98 00:09:41,848.94967319 --> 00:09:43,58.94967319 Oh, she was a hoot girl. 99 00:09:43,88.94967319 --> 00:09:48,728.94967319 Let me tell you, she was a hoot church didn't start till she walked in and it certainly wasn't over. 100 00:09:48,729.04967319 --> 00:09:50,28.94867319 And so she said it was over. 101 00:09:50,28.94867319 --> 00:09:51,188.94967319 So yeah. 102 00:09:51,188.94967319 --> 00:10:04,148.94867319 I'm so excited that we get to go on this journey and share obviously with each other, but really remind the listeners of all of those great memories of people that have, passed on. 103 00:10:04,158.94867319 --> 00:10:07,728.94867319 And my grandmother, like a lot of grandmothers was a huge force in my life. 104 00:10:07,728.94867319 --> 00:10:15,218.94867319 So just super excited to pay homage to her, you know, really every day I got to get to heaven and her be proud of me. 105 00:10:15,228.94767319 --> 00:10:18,128.94767319 Cause I can't be walking through those gates with that, with that finger. 106 00:10:18,623.94867319 --> 00:10:26,793.94867319 You know, brainies have a finger and they point that finger at you and they move that finger and I'm like, girl, when I walk in those gates, I want it to be a high 5. 107 00:10:26,794.04867319 --> 00:10:32,578.94817319 I don't I don't want the pointing the finger, you know? So, anyway, Yeah. 108 00:10:32,578.94817319 --> 00:10:33,388.94767319 So important. 109 00:10:33,438.94867319 --> 00:10:43,418.94867319 One of the things we hope to bring is a little more laughter because it is such a difficult journey and there are so many struggles out there, but at the same time, you've got to laugh. 110 00:10:43,793.94867319 --> 00:10:46,43.94867319 And you've got to keep your faith in the middle of it all. 111 00:10:46,53.94867319 --> 00:10:52,333.94867319 I think with those two key ingredients, we can really bring so much joy and information all in the same boat. 112 00:10:53,3.94867319 --> 00:10:53,623.94867319 Absolutely. 113 00:10:53,633.94867319 --> 00:11:07,502.25836791 There's a lot of amazing podcasts out there that are related to senior care, senior caregiving, dementia, Alzheimer's, of course, gets a lot of recognition But there's nothing quite like what we're going to offer. 114 00:11:07,822.25836791 --> 00:11:15,402.25836791 And we want to be that space where you can just grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit down and just laugh or cry. 115 00:11:16,2.25836791 --> 00:11:24,632.25836791 You know, we don't know it all, but man, we've lived some stuff and we just want to be that little space of comfort for people. 116 00:11:24,752.25836791 --> 00:11:32,822.25836791 And I'm not sure that that's out there in a fun, whimsical way that is still extremely respectful of those that we ultimately enjoy serving. 117 00:11:33,197.25836791 --> 00:11:34,257.25836791 Yeah, definitely. 118 00:11:34,417.25836791 --> 00:11:38,587.25736791 We want to be the podcast where wisdom meets wit in the world of caregiving. 119 00:11:38,857.25836791 --> 00:11:50,807.25836791 Imagine us just all sitting down to that cup of tea with the spunkiest, most insightful, grainy friends, where we'll just be there and through thick and thin talking about our loved ones and how we're caring for them with dementia. 120 00:11:51,267.25836791 --> 00:11:59,787.25836791 So gathering around the kitchen table, Each with our own story of love and challenge and faith and navigating this journey of dementia care together. 121 00:12:00,547.25836791 --> 00:12:09,397.25736791 Yeah, I mean, every episode that we do is going to be brimming with real life tales sprinkled with laughter and then seasoned with practical wisdom. 122 00:12:09,397.25836791 --> 00:12:17,67.25836791 Can't you just see Granny in the kitchen cooking and doing all of that? But also really deep rooted in faith that lights the way. 123 00:12:17,527.25836791 --> 00:12:24,921.09851375 From navigating the ups and downs of memory care, and there are many, to sharing the secret recipes for keeping our spirits high. 124 00:12:25,151.09951375 --> 00:12:30,511.09951375 And then, you know, we've got to discuss the hard stuff, the emotions or sharing those moments of grace. 125 00:12:30,521.09951375 --> 00:12:38,281.09951375 So our podcast is a testament to facing the trials of dementia with the spirit of gratitude and ultimately just trusting God's plan. 126 00:12:38,921.09951375 --> 00:12:39,501.09951375 Yeah. 127 00:12:39,751.09951375 --> 00:12:41,901.09951375 We want to have respect and laughter. 128 00:12:42,101.09951375 --> 00:12:50,231.09851375 So Grannies Talkin Dementia is here to remind you that you are not alone and that joy can be found in the toughest of days. 129 00:12:50,611.09851375 --> 00:12:57,261.09851375 So grab that mug and let's let the comforting blend of humor, advice and faith uplift you right now. 130 00:12:57,519.16215011 --> 00:13:02,9.16215011 So Make sure that you're joining us for every episode of Grannies Talkin Dementia. 131 00:13:02,399.16215011 --> 00:13:09,19.16215011 We are so excited to be able to, guide you through caregiving with wit, a smile, and an open heart. 132 00:13:10,544.16215011 --> 00:13:10,814.16215011 Yes. 133 00:13:10,824.16215011 --> 00:13:13,694.16215011 Thank you so much for joining Grannies Talkin Dementia. 134 00:13:14,339.16215011 --> 00:13:18,269.16215011 It's been a joy to have some fun, share some stories and tips with you. 135 00:13:19,619.16215011 --> 00:13:24,209.16215011 May the Lord guide us on this journey of understanding compassion and love. 136 00:13:24,559.16215011 --> 00:13:31,602.49448344 May he grant us the wisdom to see the beauty and dignity in every moment, even in the challenges of dementia. 137 00:13:32,122.49548344 --> 00:13:37,312.49548344 Let us remember that in every word we speak, in every story we share, we are not alone. 138 00:13:37,677.49548344 --> 00:13:40,497.49548344 God's love and strength are in ever present support. 139 00:13:40,757.49548344 --> 00:13:45,737.49548344 May all who listen find solace, understanding, and a sense of community in his name. 140 00:13:46,147.49548344 --> 00:13:51,947.49548344 And we pray for blessing upon all of our listeners, their loved ones and the journey ahead. 141 00:13:52,337.49448344 --> 00:13:52,887.49448344 Amen. 142 00:13:53,52.49448344 --> 00:13:53,702.49448344 Amen.
Welcome to Grannies Talking Dementia.
We're your hosts, Rayna Neises. 3 00:00:07,89.999 --> 00:00:19,405 And Tonja Moon, we are in cahoots with the Grandbaby Project, Offering whimsical wisdom, inspiring support, and joyful engagement for everyone involved in the dementia care journey, whether you're a family caregiver.
or a professional in the field.
Each of our episodes is designed to uplift, educate, and empower you as we navigate this caregiving life together.
(00:29):
Today's episode is brought to you by The Grandbaby Project. 7 00:00:33,215.001 --> 00:00:36,945.001 Knock, knock, Who's there? Daryl. 8 00:00:37,500.001 --> 00:00:40,853.542666667 Daryl, who? There'll never be anyone as crazy as you. 9 00:00:43,501.15725 --> 00:00:45,141.15725 Oh, I love the knock knock jokes. 10 00:00:45,171.15725 --> 00:00:56,561.15725 So speaking of crazy, you know, years ago, that's how people referred to folks with dementia was they were just crazy and it was just accepted. 11 00:00:56,861.15725 --> 00:00:58,651.15625 That's kind of what brought us here, Rayna. 12 00:00:58,671.15625 --> 00:01:05,941.15625 So talk to me and ask a little bit about why dementia education and encouragement is so important to you. 13 00:01:07,56.15725 --> 00:01:17,896.15825 Well, sadly, I have walked that walk and when you say that about people being crazy, I remember a great grandmother that my parents talked about that had senility, right? The word that we used to use. 14 00:01:18,276.15825 --> 00:01:22,396.15725 But sadly, I actually have lost both of my parents to alzheimer's disease. 15 00:01:22,666.15825 --> 00:01:27,926.15825 My mom was only 53 years old when she was diagnosed and she lived 12 years with the disease. 16 00:01:27,936.15825 --> 00:01:29,266.15825 I was just 16. 17 00:01:29,766.15825 --> 00:01:34,256.15825 And that was way back in the eighties and there was just no information available. 18 00:01:34,681.15825 --> 00:01:43,911.15825 Obviously as a teenager, they probably weren't talking to me about it a whole lot anyway, but everything I learned came from my senior English writing, project that I had to do. 19 00:01:43,921.15725 --> 00:01:47,401.15725 And there was so little information out there. 20 00:01:47,411.15825 --> 00:01:48,841.15825 It was really difficult. 21 00:01:49,221.15825 --> 00:01:57,211.15825 Just seven years after my mom passed away, my dad was diagnosed and he lived 14 years with the disease and we just lost him in 2018. 22 00:01:57,221.15725 --> 00:02:03,441.15825 There was so much more information, but even then there wasn't the support that I think that's available today. 23 00:02:03,441.15825 --> 00:02:18,916.15825 I'm excited to be able to be here, to be part of Grannies Talkin Dementia, to add that to the repertoire of things that I have done to help support others between writing my book, No Regrets, Hope for Your Caregiving Season and offering other services at A Season of Caring. 24 00:02:18,936.15825 --> 00:02:21,826.15825 I'm excited to be a part of this time. 25 00:02:22,36.15825 --> 00:02:30,396.15825 I know for me, one of the number one things in caring for my dad was to remember that I always wanted to care for him through the lens of what made him happy and healthy. 26 00:02:30,676.15825 --> 00:02:37,576.15825 and so no matter what those choices were, if it made him happier or healthier, I was willing to jump in and do that with him. 27 00:02:37,576.15825 --> 00:02:44,496.15825 and so I think learning to find ways to do that is so important and that's what I'm excited to be able to share with our listeners. 28 00:02:45,366.15825 --> 00:02:47,356.15825 Yeah, so thank you for that. 29 00:02:47,386.15825 --> 00:02:55,966.15725 And one thing I know that was important to you and me as well, as we kind of embarked upon this podcast journey was bringing the things through the lens of faith. 30 00:02:55,976.15725 --> 00:03:05,136.15825 So we just share with our listeners a little bit how faith played such a vital role in really being so young and having to deal with your mom. 31 00:03:05,956.15825 --> 00:03:16,16.15825 Yeah, I was so blessed that and I mean, at the time, I certainly didn't feel that way, but when I was just in junior high, my very best friend moved away and we had so many plans. 32 00:03:16,836.15825 --> 00:03:24,616.15725 We were just teenage girls that were looking forward to doing high school together and she moved and that was a turning point in my faith. 33 00:03:24,986.15825 --> 00:03:29,906.15825 Because I just had to learn to lean on the Lord and he actually became my very best friend. 34 00:03:30,206.15825 --> 00:03:38,736.15825 So I can remember that time just a few years later when my mom was diagnosed with this terminal illness that I just didn't really understand what was happening. 35 00:03:38,986.15825 --> 00:03:41,216.15825 I would just, pour my heart out to Him. 36 00:03:41,246.15825 --> 00:03:44,846.15825 And so really having that relationship, he became my BFF. 37 00:03:45,286.15825 --> 00:03:56,746.15825 And so just having that relationship with the Lord helped me to be able to find peace, even in the middle of those really hard and confusing things and has continued to be such an important cornerstone in my life. 38 00:03:57,726.15825 --> 00:03:59,646.15825 Yeah, that's fantastic. 39 00:03:59,936.15725 --> 00:04:01,956.15725 And it led to your book, which is amazing. 40 00:04:02,6.15725 --> 00:04:15,26.15625 So I've felt so blessed to have been able to share our story and just offer practical tips and stories that can help others in their journey, because there are no two journeys that are the same, but we can learn so much from each other. 41 00:04:15,276.15725 --> 00:04:19,931.15725 And by being able to share those things, it's just been a blessing to be able to help yeah. 42 00:04:21,66.15725 --> 00:04:24,266.15725 So Tonja, I know Alzheimer's impacted your life. 43 00:04:24,266.15725 --> 00:04:28,666.15725 Share with us a little bit about you and The Grandbaby Project and Granny. 44 00:04:29,61.15725 --> 00:04:34,871.15525 Yes, so my, my grandmother, had senality. 45 00:04:35,391.15625 --> 00:04:40,501.15625 So she's been gone going on 17 years and we didn't know anything about dementia. 46 00:04:40,521.15625 --> 00:04:41,631.15625 No one talks about dementia. 47 00:04:41,631.15625 --> 00:04:46,298.60625 I mean, I was 35 actually at the time. 48 00:04:46,758.60625 --> 00:04:52,628.60625 And I just thought that everybody just got old and lost their memory and you just put them in a nursing home. 49 00:04:52,638.60625 --> 00:04:55,558.60525 I mean, that's kind of, I just, that was normal. 50 00:04:55,568.60625 --> 00:04:56,388.60525 That's what I thought. 51 00:04:56,438.60625 --> 00:05:06,228.60725 And so, anyway, I had the honor, I can call it an honor today looking back, but in the moment, it was hard of helping to care for my grandmother. 52 00:05:06,998.60725 --> 00:05:10,978.60725 And as her disease progressed, so did her aggression. 53 00:05:11,418.60725 --> 00:05:18,38.60725 And I had never in my life seen someone go from sweet to totally salty. 54 00:05:18,288.60725 --> 00:05:21,658.60725 I mean, she was a handful. 55 00:05:22,28.60725 --> 00:05:26,68.60725 And That's how The Grandbaby Project was birthed. 56 00:05:26,158.60725 --> 00:05:30,658.60725 God put a very specific seed in my heart after her passing. 57 00:05:31,98.60725 --> 00:05:37,778.60725 And one of the ways that we became able to connect with my grandmother was through giving her a baby doll. 58 00:05:38,528.60725 --> 00:05:41,758.60725 And everyone thought we were crazy and nuts. 59 00:05:41,758.60725 --> 00:05:44,18.60725 I even thought it was kind of kooky. 60 00:05:44,288.60725 --> 00:05:49,238.60725 We gave it to her and she literally thought she'd been handed a newborn baby. 61 00:05:49,528.60625 --> 00:05:55,488.60625 And we always joked that nanny loved her grandkids way more than she loved her regular children. 62 00:05:55,488.60625 --> 00:05:58,68.60725 I mean, she made that pretty obvious and let everybody know it. 63 00:05:58,488.60725 --> 00:06:04,998.60725 And so the Lord planted a seed in me before I even knew what dementia was, what it meant. 64 00:06:05,443.60725 --> 00:06:10,833.60725 And that seed was one day you will put dolls in the arms of people with dementia. 65 00:06:11,373.60725 --> 00:06:26,703.60625 And so we launched The Grand Baby Project, our nonprofits going on four years ago, we deliver thousands of dementia therapy dolls to seniors all across the country that are living with dementia or other cognitive challenges. 66 00:06:26,733.60625 --> 00:06:32,148.60625 And it's just been an amazing, amazing blessing. 67 00:06:32,238.60625 --> 00:06:36,658.60625 And when I look back on how it all came about, God is so good. 68 00:06:37,188.60625 --> 00:06:42,18.60625 I was in corporate sales at the time of my grandmother's passing. 69 00:06:42,58.60625 --> 00:06:48,718.60525 And while I helped to care for her and she went on hospice, I loved her hospice nurse. 70 00:06:49,238.60625 --> 00:06:58,123.60625 And I left corporate sales and went into hospice where I spent almost 17 years, worked my way up the ladder. 71 00:06:58,413.60625 --> 00:07:03,483.60525 And I was always so drawn to dementia patients at the end of life. 72 00:07:03,783.60625 --> 00:07:07,183.60625 And so I've seen so many things up close and personal. 73 00:07:07,623.60625 --> 00:07:19,748.60625 And I took a little bit of all of those experiences with me and those relationships I was able to build really help project and propel The Grand Baby Project forward. 74 00:07:20,148.60625 --> 00:07:22,588.60425 And so, yeah, here we are. 75 00:07:22,588.60525 --> 00:07:29,913.60525 And our mission in the project is to bless people living with dementia with, beautiful little companions. 76 00:07:30,213.60525 --> 00:07:34,153.60525 Then we've since launched a whole other company that is focused on training caregivers. 77 00:07:34,163.60525 --> 00:07:49,318.60525 So it's been a journey that was super hard, but every one of those hard steps got us to today, and the Lord knows our steps before we ever take 'em, right? And so I can look back and finally take a big, deep breath and say, okay, I'm on the right track. 78 00:07:49,318.60525 --> 00:07:52,888.60525 So, yes, it is very, very near and dear to my heart. 79 00:07:52,888.60525 --> 00:07:57,978.60525 If I could make a living, just spending every day with people with dementia, I just would love on 'em and hung on 'em. 80 00:07:57,978.60525 --> 00:07:58,638.60525 I just love them. 81 00:08:00,393.60525 --> 00:08:16,403.60425 Well, and I love you mentioned to their dolls, but their, their therapy, and that's something that through research and really investing in the people you're caring for, you found so many great things about understanding this and helping to educate people about that. 82 00:08:17,268.60525 --> 00:08:18,808.60525 You know, it's very interesting. 83 00:08:18,838.60525 --> 00:08:20,548.60525 So I'm like, okay, I have this idea. 84 00:08:20,548.60525 --> 00:08:24,978.60525 Now what? So I did what every, red blooded American does when they want to do something new. 85 00:08:24,978.60525 --> 00:08:31,608.60425 I went on Google and typed in Dementia Doll Therapy Class and there was nothing in the United States. 86 00:08:32,348.60525 --> 00:08:33,458.60525 There was nothing. 87 00:08:33,488.60525 --> 00:08:42,838.60525 And I knew from my hospice days that it was very common to walk into a skilled nursing facility and see a little lonely lady with a, eight to 10 inch plastic baby doll. 88 00:08:43,198.60525 --> 00:08:46,258.60525 But there was no training, no nothing around it. 89 00:08:46,258.60525 --> 00:08:53,338.60525 And so I literally, for years, had to study under a neurologist in the UK because there was nothing here. 90 00:08:53,628.60525 --> 00:08:56,748.60525 And it is absolutely a form of therapy. 91 00:08:57,393.60525 --> 00:09:16,833.60425 It is unbelievable to see what we're able to see every single day from people who haven't spoken in years to start singing an old lullaby to this little beautiful baby that they may or may not think is real, but there's a connection there and, here we are delivering thousands of dolls. 92 00:09:17,538.60525 --> 00:09:22,698.94967319 I mean, we have dolls in Africa, in Mexico City, New Zealand and then all throughout the United States. 93 00:09:22,718.94967319 --> 00:09:30,228.94967319 And so, it's also very, very precious to me that Nanny's legacy can live on as do her earrings dangling from my ears. 94 00:09:30,228.94967319 --> 00:09:32,178.94867319 She wore gigantic jewelry all the time. 95 00:09:32,178.94867319 --> 00:09:34,698.94967319 So for our podcast, I'm wearing her big earrings. 96 00:09:35,128.94967319 --> 00:09:36,558.94967319 bold red earrings. 97 00:09:36,918.94967319 --> 00:09:41,388.94967319 I know if I had known your nanny that she would have been my favorite person. 98 00:09:41,848.94967319 --> 00:09:43,58.94967319 Oh, she was a hoot girl. 99 00:09:43,88.94967319 --> 00:09:48,728.94967319 Let me tell you, she was a hoot church didn't start till she walked in and it certainly wasn't over. 100 00:09:48,729.04967319 --> 00:09:50,28.94867319 And so she said it was over. 101 00:09:50,28.94867319 --> 00:09:51,188.94967319 So yeah. 102 00:09:51,188.94967319 --> 00:10:04,148.94867319 I'm so excited that we get to go on this journey and share obviously with each other, but really remind the listeners of all of those great memories of people that have, passed on. 103 00:10:04,158.94867319 --> 00:10:07,728.94867319 And my grandmother, like a lot of grandmothers was a huge force in my life. 104 00:10:07,728.94867319 --> 00:10:15,218.94867319 So just super excited to pay homage to her, you know, really every day I got to get to heaven and her be proud of me. 105 00:10:15,228.94767319 --> 00:10:18,128.94767319 Cause I can't be walking through those gates with that, with that finger. 106 00:10:18,623.94867319 --> 00:10:26,793.94867319 You know, brainies have a finger and they point that finger at you and they move that finger and I'm like, girl, when I walk in those gates, I want it to be a high 5. 107 00:10:26,794.04867319 --> 00:10:32,578.94817319 I don't I don't want the pointing the finger, you know? So, anyway, Yeah. 108 00:10:32,578.94817319 --> 00:10:33,388.94767319 So important. 109 00:10:33,438.94867319 --> 00:10:43,418.94867319 One of the things we hope to bring is a little more laughter because it is such a difficult journey and there are so many struggles out there, but at the same time, you've got to laugh. 110 00:10:43,793.94867319 --> 00:10:46,43.94867319 And you've got to keep your faith in the middle of it all. 111 00:10:46,53.94867319 --> 00:10:52,333.94867319 I think with those two key ingredients, we can really bring so much joy and information all in the same boat. 112 00:10:53,3.94867319 --> 00:10:53,623.94867319 Absolutely. 113 00:10:53,633.94867319 --> 00:11:07,502.25836791 There's a lot of amazing podcasts out there that are related to senior care, senior caregiving, dementia, Alzheimer's, of course, gets a lot of recognition But there's nothing quite like what we're going to offer. 114 00:11:07,822.25836791 --> 00:11:15,402.25836791 And we want to be that space where you can just grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit down and just laugh or cry. 115 00:11:16,2.25836791 --> 00:11:24,632.25836791 You know, we don't know it all, but man, we've lived some stuff and we just want to be that little space of comfort for people. 116 00:11:24,752.25836791 --> 00:11:32,822.25836791 And I'm not sure that that's out there in a fun, whimsical way that is still extremely respectful of those that we ultimately enjoy serving. 117 00:11:33,197.25836791 --> 00:11:34,257.25836791 Yeah, definitely. 118 00:11:34,417.25836791 --> 00:11:38,587.25736791 We want to be the podcast where wisdom meets wit in the world of caregiving. 119 00:11:38,857.25836791 --> 00:11:50,807.25836791 Imagine us just all sitting down to that cup of tea with the spunkiest, most insightful, grainy friends, where we'll just be there and through thick and thin talking about our loved ones and how we're caring for them with dementia. 120 00:11:51,267.25836791 --> 00:11:59,787.25836791 So gathering around the kitchen table, Each with our own story of love and challenge and faith and navigating this journey of dementia care together. 121 00:12:00,547.25836791 --> 00:12:09,397.25736791 Yeah, I mean, every episode that we do is going to be brimming with real life tales sprinkled with laughter and then seasoned with practical wisdom. 122 00:12:09,397.25836791 --> 00:12:17,67.25836791 Can't you just see Granny in the kitchen cooking and doing all of that? But also really deep rooted in faith that lights the way. 123 00:12:17,527.25836791 --> 00:12:24,921.09851375 From navigating the ups and downs of memory care, and there are many, to sharing the secret recipes for keeping our spirits high. 124 00:12:25,151.09951375 --> 00:12:30,511.09951375 And then, you know, we've got to discuss the hard stuff, the emotions or sharing those moments of grace. 125 00:12:30,521.09951375 --> 00:12:38,281.09951375 So our podcast is a testament to facing the trials of dementia with the spirit of gratitude and ultimately just trusting God's plan. 126 00:12:38,921.09951375 --> 00:12:39,501.09951375 Yeah. 127 00:12:39,751.09951375 --> 00:12:41,901.09951375 We want to have respect and laughter. 128 00:12:42,101.09951375 --> 00:12:50,231.09851375 So Grannies Talkin Dementia is here to remind you that you are not alone and that joy can be found in the toughest of days. 129 00:12:50,611.09851375 --> 00:12:57,261.09851375 So grab that mug and let's let the comforting blend of humor, advice and faith uplift you right now. 130 00:12:57,519.16215011 --> 00:13:02,9.16215011 So Make sure that you're joining us for every episode of Grannies Talkin Dementia. 131 00:13:02,399.16215011 --> 00:13:09,19.16215011 We are so excited to be able to, guide you through caregiving with wit, a smile, and an open heart. 132 00:13:10,544.16215011 --> 00:13:10,814.16215011 Yes. 133 00:13:10,824.16215011 --> 00:13:13,694.16215011 Thank you so much for joining Grannies Talkin Dementia. 134 00:13:14,339.16215011 --> 00:13:18,269.16215011 It's been a joy to have some fun, share some stories and tips with you. 135 00:13:19,619.16215011 --> 00:13:24,209.16215011 May the Lord guide us on this journey of understanding compassion and love. 136 00:13:24,559.16215011 --> 00:13:31,602.49448344 May he grant us the wisdom to see the beauty and dignity in every moment, even in the challenges of dementia. 137 00:13:32,122.49548344 --> 00:13:37,312.49548344 Let us remember that in every word we speak, in every story we share, we are not alone. 138 00:13:37,677.49548344 --> 00:13:40,497.49548344 God's love and strength are in ever present support. 139 00:13:40,757.49548344 --> 00:13:45,737.49548344 May all who listen find solace, understanding, and a sense of community in his name. 140 00:13:46,147.49548344 --> 00:13:51,947.49548344 And we pray for blessing upon all of our listeners, their loved ones and the journey ahead. 141 00:13:52,337.49448344 --> 00:13:52,887.49448344 Amen. 142 00:13:53,52.49448344 --> 00:13:53,702.49448344 Amen.
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