HOW DID I GET HERE:
Alzheimer’s Came in the Blink of an Eye…
In 2012, my dad died suddenly of a massive heart attack. Then, 90 itty-bitty days later, my mom “Zetty," a forensic CPA and expert-witness powerhouse, went from being 100% self-sufficient and doing brilliant, glass-ceiling shattering work to walking out the house without pants. WTH?!?!?
And me? I went from living THE life — single, childless mechanical engineer, product designer lawyer living a meticulously crafted international life… to having a mama-baby.
In a flash, my mama’s life became my life.
No handbook. No training. No help. Just fear, confusion and a refusal to let that heffa (Zetty) wither away.
I’ve learned a ton, made a mountain of mistakes and remain committed to sharing with yawl. I’m in still in the trenches, come listen and watch — you will not believe this ish.
A PODCAST IS BORN:
Podcast Origin Story
Eight years into “our” dementia journey, just when our new life finally had legs, COVID-19 devastated Mother Earth. WTH?! Sheltering in place meant no stand-up, no speeches, no scuba diving—and no hired care partners. Isolated and grieving Zetty’s decline, I needed somewhere to put all that anxiety, pain, creative energy and caregiving knowledge.
And just like that...Parenting UP! was born.
Our Adventures in Caregiving
I’m comedian J Smiles and these are my caregiving adventures. Let’s keep it real, Alzheimer’s sucks. Yet, I’m convinced humor heals and relatable stories generate hope. ALZ is heavy but we ain’t gotta be! Listen, watch or both and let me know what you think.