Frontotemporal Dementia doesn’t just take memories—it takes away the very essence of who a person is. In this heartfelt reflection, I share what it’s like to care for my mom, June, who lives with FTD. From moments of unbearable grief to the small sparks of connection we still find, this is our family’s journey through love, loss, and resilience.

Visiting someone with dementia isn’t always easy, but it can still be deeply meaningful. Whether you’re a friend stopping by or a family member preparing for guests, these tips will help make visits more comfortable, supportive, and even joyful. Because at the heart of it all, love and connection still matter most.

When I was a child, I witnessed my friend’s mom grieving her own mother, and that moment never left me. Now, decades later, I understand why. Grief, as painful as it is, is simply love with nowhere to go—and the greatest reminder of how lucky we are to have loved so deeply.

When my mom first showed signs of dementia, I didn’t understand what was happening—and I didn’t always respond the way I wish I had. Those memories still sting, but they’ve also taught me lessons about grief, patience, and the power of self-forgiveness. Here’s what I’ve learned about carrying both the pain and the gifts that come with this journey.

Sometimes the greatest treasures aren’t the ones we set out to find. While searching for Easter decorations, I stumbled upon a box that held far more than holiday trinkets—it carried my mom’s words across time. In those pages, I found comfort, connection, and proof that love endures in the most unexpected places.