Deborah Tornillo

Deborah Tornillo was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas by her loving and nurturing parents. She attended the University of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she studied Art. After marrying, raising two daughters and enjoying life with her family, Deborah joined a higher calling by committing to be the primary caregiver for her parents, both of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in February 2006. In her new collection of memoirs, 36 Days Apart: A memoir of a daughter, her parents and the Beast named – Alzheimer’s: A story of Life, Love and Death, Deborah chronicles the time spent taking care of her mother and father. 36 Days Apart recounts this painful, enlightening journey, and Tornillo writes candidly about the struggles and fears she faced as her parents’ caregiver. As their disease progressed, Tornillo was faced with the difficult task of learning how to be a parent to her own parents. Through the year and a half of caring for them she extensively researched Alzheimer’s in order to provide the best care possible, all the while knowing that the disease would eventually win in the end. 36 Days Apart gives an honest, unflinching look at the realities of caring for and losing loved ones to Alzheimer’s. Tornillo gives the reader an inside look into the day-to-day life she faced during her heartbreaking, difficult time.

Articles:

Open to  hope

Heaven Bound

Heaven Bound   Year after year On your special day Mother’s Day I brought you flowers Gave you a hug and kiss Reminded you how special you were.   Every […]

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Merry Christmas

Christmas lights sparkle Ornaments shine Rudolph’s nose so red Have I gone blind?   Tears no longer blur My memories of you Why, this Christmas Do I feel joy too? […]

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One October Day

Remember on that October day? You were very determined To have it your way. Even though you cared You didn’t want me there. Daddy, I needed to be near. Remember […]

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Thank You for Loving Me

When I was born God gave me The greatest gift of all He gave me my mother. My mother’s love was Unconditional. Her love was Sacrificial, but infinite. Everyday I’m […]

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Poem: A Soul

Hiding amongst The shadows Of a broken heart Lives a soul Torn apart. Blistered and Burned by Death’s Blinding rays Fear of tomorrow Remain today. Peering through The crevasses of […]

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Poem: High on a Shelf

I put my heart in a box Placed it high on a shelf Where it will be safe with Loving memories of you. When I’m filled with sorrow I’ll peek […]

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Poem: A Gift of Sorrow

I close my eyes It all goes away. Today, tomorrow The sorrow. I open my eyes Rushes back in. Curse at my Lord I’ve committed a sin. If I keep […]

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Poem: A Blind Eye

Can I turn a blind eye? Say to myself “It is what it is” or Turn a face of denial? I can turn it on Right or wrong. Trying to […]

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Poem: A Struggle Within

Fall of 2007 He opened the Gates of Heaven. He took them By their hand. To a Promised Land. He showed them A shining light. An Eternal Life. Spring of […]

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Poem: Beginning and End

You were there I took my first breath. Knowing there would be many left. You were there I looked into my mother’s eyes. It was your plan never to be […]

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