In this heartfelt episode, Maryellen Newell shares her deeply personal journey of walking through Alzheimer’s with her beloved mother, Esther Grace. As an only child and single mom, Maryellen opens up about the complex layers of anticipatory grief, the struggle to let go of control, and the sacred beauty found in small moments of caregiving.
We explore how grief isn’t always about death—it’s about the loss of what once was, and the quiet unraveling that comes with watching someone you love slowly fade. From navigating mental health and shifting priorities to learning how to be present in the hard and holy spaces, Maryellen offers wisdom, vulnerability, and even a few unexpected laughs along the way.
Whether you’re a caregiver, grieving a loss, or simply trying to hold on to joy in a difficult season, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and remind you that worn people are worthy.
Book Recommendations from Maryellen:These resources brought daily comfort, perspective, and healing during her journey:
📘 Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia CaregiversA beautifully written devotional with short, manageable entries that brought peace in chaotic moments. Read on Amazon »
📘 It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t UnderstandA powerful, honest book that gave Maryellen permission to feel all the things—and helped her offer herself grace. Read on Amazon »
📘 My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s CaregiverWritten by a former congressman, this memoir made her laugh, cry, and realize the importance of entering her mom’s world with compassion. Read on Amazon »
📘 The Long Goodbye: A Memoir by Meghan O’Rourke
This beautifully written memoir explores the author’s journey through the illness and eventual loss of her mother. It’s honest, poetic, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating grief, especially anticipatory grief.
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