In this heartfelt episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne sits down with mindfulness teacher, caregiver, and dementia advocate Jessica Smith for a conversation that lives at the intersection of presence, purpose, and deep compassion.

For over two decades, Jessica has studied and practiced awareness-based meditation under the guidance of renowned spiritual teachers like Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, and Michael Singer. But it’s her personal journey as a long-distance caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than ten years ago, that has shaped her work in the most profound way.

Together, Marianne and Jessica explore:

• The emotional layers of long-distance caregiving
• Navigating family dynamics in the face of a loved one’s diagnosis
• How mindfulness helps caregivers stay grounded, even on the hardest days
• The evolving relationship between parent and child through the lens of Alzheimer’s
• What it means to connect when memory fades
• Finding peace in “enoughness”
• How training as a death doula deepened Jessica’s perspective on legacy and letting go
• Practical ways caregivers can show up for themselves when time is scarce

This episode is a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of grief, there can be grace and that mindful awareness offers a path not just to endure, but to connect more deeply.

Resources & Links
Connect with Jessica and learn more about her work:

• https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_awakening/ 
• https://linktr.ee/alzheimers_awakening

Connect with Marianne:

• Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

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