In this deeply personal episode, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly reveals a long-hidden family secret, an admission that, once uncovered, changed the course of events forever. Although the truth may be upsetting, Mary Anne stresses that it is also the foundation for healing. Her story explores how hidden truths affect future generations and how those with dementia may carry the weight of concealed pain and unresolved memories. This discussion highlights that honesty, even when difficult, is an act of compassion. While truth doesn't erase the past, it can help shape a transformative future.

The Veranda's "Wishbook Wonderland" Open House, Bazaar, and Marketplace takes place Friday and Saturday, December 5th & 6th, at the Veranda Ministries location, 9 am to 3 pm each day, 650 #4 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN. The public is invited.

www.verandaministries.org

This episode delves into the emotional challenges faced by care partners and highlights the crucial role of having an advocate in medical settings. Whether dealing with a planned surgical procedure or an unexpected medical emergency, family members may often feel helpless and vulnerable. Trusting medical professionals to care for your loved one is essential, yet this trust can sometimes be tested. It is important to recognize the need for an advocate, especially for older adults.

Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly emphasizes the significance of appointing someone you trust to assist not only with medical and psychological decisions for your loved one but also to support you during this challenging time.

www.verandaministries.org

Upcoming events for Veranda Ministries:

"A Night of Faith, Music and Gratitude", featuring Dave Clark, Riley Harrison Clark, Allison Durham Speer, Lauren Talley, Bill Blackwood, Josh Singletary, Mary Anne Oglesby-Suther and Jeff & Sue Duffield. TUESDAY, Oct. 28th, 6:30 pm at First Baptist Church, 613 S. Main Street, Goodlettesville TN. $10 per person; plus a generous offering will be received to benefit the Veranda.

"A Wish Book Wonderland" at the Veranda, 650 Nashville Pike B-4, Gallatin TN - an exceptional shopping experience, featuring beautiful festive baskets and gift items for purchace. December 5th & 6th, Friday & Saturday - from 9 am - 4 pm. The public is invited.

Respite care offers caregivers the opportunity to recharge and find joy, even in the midst of exhaustion. Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's is sacred but draining, and humor often helps. This episode celebrates the gift of respite, which eases burdens and restores happiness.

Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly shares stories with producer, Sue Duffield, from Mike Glenn's book, "Coffee With Mom - Caring For A Parent With Dementia," guaranteed to make you laugh. Churches are increasingly welcoming individuals with memory loss, developing programs that support their families. This episode offers hope and laughter, reminding us that even in the midst of forgetfulness, God's love helps us remember what truly matters.

A "Faith, Music and Gratitude" concert benefiting The Veranda Ministries featuring Allison Durham Speer, Lauren Talley, Dave Clark, Billy Blackwood, Riley Harrison Clark, Josh Singletary, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, and Jeff & Sue Duffield, will take place at First Baptist Church of Goodlettsville, TN, on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025. Doors open at 6 pm. Admission is $10 per person, with a love offering during the event.

mailto:[email protected]

www.verandaministries.org

Join us for an uplifting exploration of the life-changing impact of "Day Respite Care Centers" and the remarkable work of Veranda Ministries. You'll gain insight into the legal aspects of our program and get an exclusive update on the exciting changes on the horizon. We're eager to share our vision with you and invite your feedback on how just four hours can profoundly transform the lives of Tennessee's aging population and their families/care partners.

Your opinions will be instrumental in shaping our mission to support those living with dementia and the aging population. We welcome perspectives from all states, as many programs offer similar "day respite" services.

Please share your thoughts with us at mailto:[email protected]. Your input will be invaluable in helping us drive positive change.

www.verandaministries.org

Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and her sidekick, producer Sue Duffield, will share their recent experiences with back problems, aching bodies, and the struggles of aging humorously. It's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.

However, beneath the humor, their conversation raises an important question: how do people with dementia cope with aches and pains? How can they communicate when they are hurting? It's a sobering thought that deserves attention and discussion. Being a CarePartner is challenging, but understanding your loved one in all stressful situations is essential to helping them adapt, adjust, and feel heard.

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Laughter is good for our souls. It's especially good for those who have dementia, providing healing for those who grieve, no matter what our cognitive ability level might be.

Today's "all over the place" episode starts off hilariously with "Gomer the bull" and a visit to Andy's Custard. Next is Mary Anne's description of falling on a slippery bathroom floor, added with the discussion of GeneSight, a pharmacogenomic test which analyzes how genes may affect medication outcomes.

The GeneSight test is important for understanding genetic variations in your DNA. Results can inform your healthcare provider about how you may break down or respond to certain medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer's.

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www.genesight.com

Balcony People by Joyce Landorf Heatherly https://a.co/d/h00Ht0J

(Episode description by podcast producer, Sue Duffield)

"Today's episode goes much deeper than just a story about host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's sister, Doris. Her heart-felt words will throttle the listener into a Netflix-like mini-series of hope, despair, miracles and over-the-top depth of secrets revealed.

Mary Anne is at her finest here, but it took everything she had to disclose the family secret, all while her sister Doris transitioned into the after-life.

You will find great compassion and understanding as to why Mary Anne is a soldier for the kingdom of caregiving. She searched her whole life to find the missing piece of the puzzle, only to realize that God in His infinite timing would sweep her into a week of miracles."

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Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly shares from her heart, knowing that she'll experience loss and grief very soon in her life, coping with the very thing which she compassionately teaches that comforts others. Caregivers, doulas and professionals like Mary Anne are typically the first line of support as they assist other dementia patients and their family members to cope with serious illness, feelings of loss, and the end of life. But now, it's her time.

This episode begins with the celebration of a new building that is shared by both the Veranda Ministries and the Preferred Care Group. An extraordinary collaboration is available to both organizations as they learn and glean from each other.

And then there's Doris' story. Doris is Mary Anne's sister and her life is in the balance of God's hand right now. The grief she is feeling about her younger sibling is the emotional response to loss, defined as the individualized and personalized feelings and responses that an individual makes to real, perceived, or anticipated loss. The last gift that Mary Anne will give her sister is her presence, her words and her gift of love.

Who says those with dementia and Alzheimer's can't have fun?! What an exciting day at the Veranda Ministries for all who attended. The "ponies" ran (walkers decorated with blow-up horse heads!) and the laughter was contagious.

This episode includes LIVE coverage of an exceptional day of celebration for all of the Veranda family and friends. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's vision continues, knowing how crucial it is to engage those with dementia with creative activities that provide comfort and relaxation, improving their quality of life.

Derby Day for dementia!

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The brand new location for Veranda Ministries was celebrated with a dedication service, tasty food and community fellowship. This episode is filled with audio clips of the ribbon cutting and ceremony held on April 1st, 2025. Speakers Dusty Wells, Dr. Eddy Moody, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, Dave Clark, Billy Blackwood and others are featured in today's podcast episode, LIVE from the ceremony. A very exciting day for all, honoring the ministry of founder Mary Anne Oglesby Sutherly, her staff and countless volunteers. God's work is definitely first class here for those with dementia and their caregivers.

www.verandaministries.org