When I read the title of Jaclyn Michelle Smith's memoir I had to know the story behind it. When I read the book I understood completely.

I'm Sorry I Cremated You captures what it's really like to love and care for an aging parent — the heartbreak, the impossible decisions, the guilt, and the unexpected moments of humor that show up right beside the tears. Jaclyn became her father's sole caregiver almost overnight, and she wrote everything down. What came out was a book that makes you feel less alone in one of the most universal experiences we face.

This conversation will meet you right where you are — whether you've walked this road, are walking it now, or know you will.

What We Talk About In This Episode

• How Jaclyn's life changed almost overnight when her father's health collapsed
• What the caregiving year actually looked like — and why exhaustion barely covers it
• The long goodbye: watching a parent disappear to dementia before they're gone
• How improv comedy became her unexpected lifeline and therapy
• The guilt that comes with caregiving — and how to start making peace with it
• What her father always believed about her — and how it became true
• My own experience of losing my mom and what this conversation gave me

Connect with Jaclyn Michelle Smith

Learn more about Jaclyn Michelle Smith and her memoir, "I'm Sorry I Cremated You," visit jaclynmichellesmith.com.

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More Like You with Angie Mizzell s about the pivotal moments and perspective shifts that point us toward a life that feels true. New episodes every Thursday.