Before I cross uncertain land
I hear Daddy say to me.
Little girl hold on to my hand
And, remember to look both ways.

If you should have any doubt
Always call out my name.
And, I will always guide you
Through the unknown and the same.

Keep laughing long into the night
I hear Daddy say to me.
Little girl wipe away your tears
And, ride through life without fears.

If you should have any doubt
Always call out my name.
And, I will always be by your side
Through the joy and the pain.

Compassionately go about your day
I hear Daddy say to me.
Little girl open your eyes
And, stay focused on the road ahead.

If you should have any doubt
Always call out my name.
And, I will always show you
It’s in the name and not the fame.

Fill your heart with the sound of music
I hear Daddy say to me.
Little girl sing your song
And, dance through life with lots of joy.

If you should have any doubt
Always call out my name.
And I will always be here with you
Dancing the songs that you’ve sang.

You don’t need to hold my hand
I hear Daddy saying to me.
Little girl it’s time for me to go
And, I’ve taught you everything I know.

If you should have any doubt
Just call out my name.
Remember, I will always be here with you
Through the sunshine and the rain.

Deborah Ann Tornillo
Author, “36 Days Apart”
Copyright© 2009

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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.

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