Last night I was frustrated—tired, overwhelmed, and at my wit’s end. I looked at my mom and asked, “Mom, can you cut me a little slack?”

She didn’t miss a beat. “Absolutely, honey. I have a whole bunch of slack cut just for you.”

I couldn’t help it—I laughed. I mean… who says that?!
There is a lot that she doesn’t remember, but her wit? Still razor-sharp.

That one-liner sliced straight through the tension and turned a hard moment into a beautiful one. It reminded me how powerful laughter is in this journey. It reminded me who my mom still is.

She’s quick. She’s kind. She’s honest. Another thing she does when I’m walking the edge with a sassy comment – she taps her foot and reminds me, “You know I had brothers, and toes are fair game.”
(Yes, I now instinctively tuck my toes away. Because she means it.)

These hilarious, ridiculous, absolutely unforgettable moments? I’m writing them down. I’ve started a little notebook of Joycie-isms—those phrases and zingers that catch me off guard, make me laugh, or melt me in a second.

Because as she slowly fades, this humor is gold.
It masks the hard stuff.
It lifts us when the fog settles.
It brings us both back to center.

Some of the things she says are funny. Some are heartbreakingly sweet. Like, “Honey, you know you’re precious to me because I love you so much.” And that right there? That’s better than anything I could ever ask for.

So today, I’m encouraging you to find those moments. Write them down. Start a notebook. Record the funny, the frustrating-turned-funny, the tender, and the truth bombs. Because these little snippets are going to matter. They’re going to hold you when this season is over. They’re going to be part of the story you carry forward.

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Caregiver Hack of the Week:

Create a “Memory & Moment” journal.
If your loved one is still chatty or witty, jot down their quips, kindness, and conversations. If they’re in later stages, collect your own reflections. Stick in photos. Drawings. Descriptions of a touch, a scent, a smile. These become treasures.

Even just a few lines a week will one day become your favorite heirloom. A time capsule of love, laughter, and the strength it took to show up every single day. You’ve got this!!

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This time of life? It’s not forever.
But it can still be loved.
So laugh until you cry—and cry when you need to.
And let both be sacred.

You’re not alone on this track.
We’re all riding it together. See you next time!

Choo Choo!