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

Poem: Holly Jolly – My Chihuahua

You were a tiny little angel Sent to me from the heavens above. You were a soft and cuddly ball of fur Filling my life with unconditional love. My Precious […]

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Open to  hope

Poem: A Prayer of Hope

Today, I will take baby steps And, hold my head high With a prayer of hope for a smile. Today, I will give myself a hug And, accept that I […]

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Open to  hope

Poem: It Hurts

Has it hurt me physically? Yes, it has. If I could do it all over again, would I? Yes, I would. Would I have let someone else do it? No, […]

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Open to  hope

Have I Failed?

My mother and father passed away in 2008. They had Alzheimer’s and they died 36 days apart of each other. At the time of their diagnosis, their neurologist told me […]

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Open to  hope

Poem: All Over Again

Traveling backward in my mind High on top of a mountain Kissing with tears in our eyes Life together had just begun. Traveling backward in my mind The many roads […]

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Poem: Forgive Me

You were tired Daddy, Weren’t you? Forgive me for insisting, You keep moving. You were tired Daddy When I asked you Are you dying? You answered with a smile. You […]

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Poem: Days Before

I have never been one To accept what I see As reality for all to be. I have always questioned Everything I have seen As what if, and what could […]

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Poem: A True Man for All to Behold

A gentle giant you were. Heaven’s blue eyes, and A handsome smile. Stories of past Written on your face. Poems of present in your heart. A courageous soldier You fought […]

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Open to  hope

Poem: I Promise You This

It doesn’t matter What age you are. When a loved one dies It’s very, very hard. I was sweet sixteen When my brother died. I shut down Never once, did […]

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Open to  hope

Poem: A Thousand Words

Your eyes follow me everywhere Never breaking their gaze. When I look into them I’m lost and in a daze. Your eyes always speak to me Sending a loving message […]

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