Friday, June 29, 2018

A Grandparent's Decline Can be Frightening to a Child



I had a terrible cold on the 4th of July when I was 6. I had to miss the celebration, but I wasn't too sad because Dad promised I could use my sparklers when I was well.  

A few days later, completely over my cold, I visited Grandma and my two aunts. Grandma spent most of her time in bed and my aunts took care of her.  

I excitedly announced I was going to use my sparklers that night!

My Grandma called to my aunts, asking if it was the 4th of July. I was stunned. Adults were supposed to know everything. For Grandma to WONDER if it was a holiday was unthinkable!

I didn't tell anyone that I was scared by what Grandma said. And no one noticed that I was no longer excited about my sparkers….

As an adult I wrote the story of Johnny, a little boy who thinks his grandmother doesn't love him anymore because she is acting strangely. Mommy explains about Grandma's illness in a way that comforts Johnny.

I hope the book, Special Secret Hearts: A Child's Introduction to Dementia, will help parents cope with their children's fears about aging family members.

Special Secret Hearts is part of a 2 in 1 book illustrated by children for children.

You can read an excerpt here: http://wwwhttp://booklocker.com/6401

See my books on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/KhvXA8