Ron wrote about his dear mother’s Alzheimer’s journey in a book titled, “Fran’s Song” Continue reading
Aging / Alzheimer's / Cancer / Caregiving
Author Archives: roncooper
Good morning, serenity
Good morning, serenity You soothe me You are welcome today Good morning, peace You calm me You are welcome today Good morning, spirit You guide me You nurture me You embrace me You are welcome today And every day –by Ron Cooper Continue reading
Mom’s purse
Mom was digging in her purse for a hairbrush as I drove her down the highway to a friend’s party. Always fastidious about her appearance, she didn’t want a single hair out of place before she arrived. But as she rummaged through the black purse with the double leather straps, she came up empty-handed. “I … Continue reading
Nina’s roommate
After I visited my mom in the Alzheimer’s unit, I would often spot my friend Nina, sitting as always in her wheelchair near the nursing home’s ice cream parlor. Nina was outgoing and always greeted me by bellowing “Hello, Babe!” She was so sweet. “What’s you been doing today, Nina,” I asked her one day. … Continue reading
Peace of mind
Rest your spirit in the healing waters Peacefully Feel the concerns lifted from your mind Instantly Go to the place that embraces your spirit Readily Experience the positive energy of life Gratefully –By Ron Cooper Continue reading
The Napkin
One morning at the restaurant, I spotted an elderly couple sitting nearby. When her paper napkin fluttered to the ground, the man leapt to his feet and ran to the woman’s side, picked up the napkin and carefully tucked it under her chin. She was eating oatmeal, and I guessed the man didn’t want her pretty … Continue reading
Why I wrote ‘Fran’s Song’
Every day in the Alzheimer’s ward of Mom’s nursing home, she and her fellow residents engaged in exercises to strengthen their minds. One day, the activities aide held up a flash card of a tree and asked Mom and her companions to identify it. They answered in a chorus, “Tree!” “Good!” the aide said. Then … Continue reading
My mom’s advice: Train your brain!
My mom knew how to have fun. I fondly remember her weekly bridge parties. They were a time to socialize and to keep her mind sharp. A regular foursome, lifelong friends, gathered in our living room, chatting, eating and drinking. The volume in the room went up a notch or two when someone trumped an … Continue reading
Breakfast ministry
For the past year, I’ve gone to a restaurant where I eat bacon and eggs and teach English to Maria on place mats. We started with simple words and phrases and graduated to talking about the pluses and minuses of signing up for her employer’s health insurance plan. This is my breakfast ministry. I majored … Continue reading
Abundance in Alzheimer’s
When I visited my Mom in the nursing home, she often confused me with my Dad or an uncle. Once, she asked, “Are you my son or my brother?” I replied, “Your son,” and she came back, “Well, could you be my son AND my brother?” Well, why not, I thought. Another time, I came … Continue reading
Ron Cooper 