Laura Davis Untangles Caring for a Parent Who Betrayed You in the Past
- S2022E78
- 1:12:57
- November 1st 2022
Laura Davis and her mother had a troubled relationship that began in her teenage years. It seems Laura did not live up to her mother's expectations. They were often at war with each other and grew estranged over decades, finally coming to some sort of functional truce after Laura became a mother herself. When her mother was in her 80's and showing signs of cognitive decline, she surprised Laura by moving cross-country from her home in New Jersey to live near Laura and her family in California. Laura's memoir, The Burning Light of Two Stars, tells her dramatic story of becoming caregiver to her mother who had betrayed her in the past. Her inspiring book is not only raw and honest but filled with compassion and forgiveness.
Laura is also the author of six other non-fiction books, including The Courage to Heal, Allies in Healing, I Thought We‘d Never Speak Again, and Becoming the Parent You Want to Be. Her groundbreaking books have been translated into 11 languages and sold 1.8 million copies.
In this episode, we discuss mending broken relationships, caregiving for a loved one with dementia who has caused you great pain, and the healing power of writing.
After the podcast
Read Laura’s AlzAuthors post: Laura Davis Shares How She and Her Mother Recovered from an Embattled Relationship
Start reading The Burning Light of Two Stars now. Buy on Amazon.
Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.
On Audible:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Burning-Light-of-Two-Stars-Audiobook/B09G8WJQP7
And on Libro.fm for independent stores: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781950144471
Independent Bookstores:
Get Signed Copies Through Bookshop Santa Cruz:
https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/burning-light-two-stars-get-it-signed)
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/the-burning-light-of-two-stars-a-mother-daughter-story-9781954854161/9781954854161
Laura recommends: Moving a Parent with Memory Loss by Laurie White and Beth Spencer
Connect with Laura Davis
Facebook @LauraDavis&TheWritersJourney
Instagram @laurasaridavis
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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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AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia
Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast! We’re so glad you found us. We are the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Join us each week as one of our authors shares their dementia journey, revealing intimate details and painfully obtained knowledge to help others currently on this path. We hope our stories offer comfort and support as we strive to break the silence and stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis. May one of our authors speak to your experience. For more info please visit https://alzauthors.com.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.
Meet Our Hosts
Marianne Sciucco is a registered nurse, dementia daughter, and author of the novel Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, based on a couple she met through her work. It is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart-wrenching disease. Marianne cared for hundreds of dementia patients over a 20+-year nursing career. She provided care to her stepfather during his dementia journey, and witnessed the painful decline of four beloved aunts to the disease. She's a founding member of AlzAuthors, sits on the Board, and is a director and manager. She can talk about AlzAuthors all day.
Christy Byrne Yates is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), retired school psychologist, author, speaker and coach/consultant. Her book, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation recounts her journey as a working mother of two who also managed the care of her parents, both of whom had some form of dementia. Combining her lived experience with her professional expertise in human development, wellness and a strengths based approach to finding solutions, Christy develops content, workshops and coaching to support Sandwiched families. She incorporates meditation, mindfulness and other evidence based mind/body practices into her work. She’s worked with care communities, financial professionals, estate planners and employers. Christy has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and graduate credentials in both education and school psychology.
Support Us
AlzAuthors is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. The podcast is one way we provide knowledge, comfort, and support to busy caregivers desperate for information. Your generosity will help us to continue our mission to lift the silence and stigma that often accompanies a dementia diagnosis. Please consider making a donation. Thank you.