Hi, I’m Mrs. Cr8, Eboni Joi Creighton.
I’m wifey + mommy + caregiver daughter = the poster child of a sandwich-generation daughter. Sandwiched, meaning starting my own family, while caring for my aging parents.
My life was completely turned upside down when my mother was diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer’s at the young age of 52.
I was getting married, teaching, rushing to my parents’ house to cook or bathe mom after-school.
Juggling.
Struggling.
I didn’t know then that there is no bottom when it comes to Alzheimer’s.
The sky was falling and there was no end in sight. But I kept running on fumes because I didn’t know any better. I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t know that this new sandwich-life would stretch on for over a decade.
During my maternity leave, I discovered that my parents were in way over their heads.
I had to leave the classroom to step in and help. I had been an Elementary School teacher for 15 years at this point. I could no longer teach at the top of my game (#superteacher) and meet my family’s needs.
I was a newlywed, nursing new mom, with a stroller, diaper bag, wheelchair, and a bazillion packs of depends in my trunk.
My daughter’s first year of life was my mother’s last.
Somewhere along the way, I lost my creative spark and my joy turned into a cloud of grief and depression took over.
I was in a hole. A functioning funk.
Somehow managing to care for everyone but myself from this dark, deep hole.
Too much responsibility.
Too much heartbreak.
Too many life changes at once.
By the grace of God, the clouds of grief parted and tiny glimpses of light began to seep in. My creative spirit started to return in spurts.
My first Mother’s Day, I wrote my first children’s book Granny Angel Butterfly: Butterflies Are Forever. The main character is a special butterfly with a halo, who watches over her grandchildren from Heaven.
Then I wrote my second children’s book, Pop Pop’s House. It’s a collection of children’s memories at Grandpa’s house. All the Grandpas, although different, all love and dote on their grandchildren.
WeRememberLove.com is exactly what I needed during the season of horribleness. I’m turning my pain into purpose just for you.
Here you can expect real conversations about:
- Caregiving
- Memory Care
- Sandwich Generation Life
- Resources