Have you ever witnessed someone persevere to no end to maintain a connection with someone they cared about? That's exactly what happened when my mother's DC circle refused to let her disappear after my dad's death.

When Betty began bombarding my mother's phone, email, and even her old-school answering machine with messages, I initially dismissed it as an unwelcome intrusion. We were deep in grief, struggling with the aftermath of my dad's passing, and I had no energy for reconnecting with old friends. Little did I know this persistent woman would create one of the most healing moments in our early dementia journey.

Betty and two other powerful Black female professionals had worked with my mother for decades, forming bonds I hadn't fully understood. "If you don't have nobody in your life willing to go that hard in the paint and keep worrying the sh*t out of people they think can get to you," I now realize, "then you need to check your crew." Their insistence on seeing my mother face-to-face led to a remarkable reunion at a DC hotel that changed everything.

When these women demanded time alone with my mother, I reluctantly stepped away, worried about leaving her without my supervision. When I came back, I heard something that stopped me in my tracks – my mother's genuine, unrestrained laughter echoing down the hallway. 

This experience fundamentally changed my approach to caregiving. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step aside and allow longstanding connections to work their magic. 

What connections have you been maintaining or perhaps neglecting in your caregiving journey? Who might be trying to reach you or your loved one that deserves a chance to connect? Your village might be larger and more determined than you realize.

Executive Producer/Host: J Smiles Comedy

Producer: Mia Hall

Editor: Annelise Udoye 

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