My theme song today is Edelweiss, which has been in my head since I learned of Christopher Plummer's death yesterday. I love him in The Sound of Music- no one else can possibly be Captain von Trapp in my mind. His original disdain for the film and his statement that working with Julie Andrews was like "being hit over the head with a big Valentine's Day card, every day" only makes him more endearing (he and Andrews were lifelong friends). Christopher Plummer's passing, at the ripe old age of 91, can only be a celebration. Here's a good summary from the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55954950.

Having received permission from the author (excited face), yesterday I created and posted a ReadAloud video of Charlotte Wood's children's picture book, Remembering for Both of Us, which I fell in love with years ago when I met Charlotte and her brother Tommy at a Book Festival in Danville, Virginia. You can watch the full ~13-minute video at the link immediately below. I was first drawn to the book because of the beautiful illustration on the front and the fact that it features a family of color, which is still not typical of the picture books that line bookstore shelves. I teared up when I finished the book - its intent is so heartfelt and positive. Years after the book's release, Charlotte continues her involvement in improving our understanding and communication about Alzheimer's Disease, which her husband suffered before his passing. Remembering for Both of Us is *the* book to give a child (or a parent or grandparent) who has a family member suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia. Every physician/counselor in the field should have a copy of this book in their waiting room.

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Here are some great links about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia to share with your kids. Even if these conditions don't affect your family directly, incorporating them into curricula pertaining to the body and brain makes for very practical and engaging learning.

What is Alzheimer's Disease: https://youtu.be/yJXTXN4xrI8

How Altzheimer's Changes the Brain: https://youtu.be/0GXv3mHs9AU

Kids meet a woman with Alzheimer's: https://youtu.be/b9PhQ9yMu8Y

If you missed my last post, you can find it here: http://www.melissarooneywriting.com/blog/2021/02/the-champs-semiconductor-stocks-and-the-voice-in-my-head-today/.

Thanks for visiting and for leaving your constructive comments and suggestions below ;-)