Navigating the Golden Years with Grace, Humor, and Nickel Bingo: A Touching Memoir of Love, Caregiving, and an Unforgettable Mother-in-Law.
When Mark Niemann-Ross realized he had "suddenly" become a senior, he didn't look to brochures or retirement seminars for guidance. Instead, he looked to his mother-in-law, Greta.
"My Favorite Mother-in-Law" is an often hilarious memoir that explores the journey of aging and caregiving. Mark chronicles Greta's transition from a "spark plug" of a woman to a resident in assisted living and eventually memory care.
This book navigates the realities of dementia, the phenomenon of "sundowning," and the role reversals that occur between parents and their children. Yet, even in the face of Alzheimer's and loss, Mark finds light in senior living: the drama of Nickel Bingo, the theology of "God as a bartender," and the beauty of hallway artwork.
Perfect for the "sandwich generation" or anyone currently navigating the senior care system, this book offers more than just a personal story. It is a roadmap for finding joy in the small moments, a tribute to the "small and mighty" mentors in our lives, and a reminder that while aging is mandatory, losing your sense of humor is optional.
Discover a story about:
- Caregiving & Family Dynamics: The bond between a son-in-law and the woman who became his mentor.
- Memory Care & Dementia: A look at "sundowning" and cognitive decline.
- Finding Humor in Aging: From Wisconsin Old Fashioneds to the "Official Memos" of assisted living.
- Legacy: Learning how to grow old with grace, dignity, and a little bit of mischief.
If you enjoyed "Tuesdays with Morrie" or "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?", you will fall in love with Greta.
Autorentext
Mark Niemann-Ross is a Portland-based author whose writing career spans the imaginative reaches of hard science fiction and the deeply personal terrain of family memoir. He is best known for his award-winning speculative fiction, including the Analog Reader's Choice Award-winning novella Phantom Sense and the novel Stupid Machine?a unique murder mystery solved by a refrigerator.
Beyond his literary pursuits, Mark is a versatile professional and hobbyist. By day, he is a teacher for LinkedIn Learning, specializing in R programming and Raspberry Pi. He is a jazz bassist, an urban chicken rancher, and a dedicated "paddler of boats" with the Oregon Ocean Paddling Society. Known for his habit of giving compliments to strangers, Mark lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Janell, and continues to explore the intersection of technology, humanity, and the small, meaningful moments of daily life.