Reese’s mom was diagnosed with early-on set Alzheimer's when Reese was 21, and passed away when Reese was 28. It was in the depths of her grief when she first picked up her pencil and began to write about her mother, the journey of Alzheimer's they took together and the journey of grief she now walks alone.

You can find Reese’s spoken poetry album, “Moving With”, on Spotify or YouTube, under her pseudonym Cleo Childs:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0JMYU10WoccJRfMChTSa8U?si=l4jjwOALSQGaIJ4FFDyuSA

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nDEJgVG9hpNYMlVoe5r-KWHIhFQzbx74s&si=8iY7V4pqpogww10v

You can learn more about Reese on her website: https://cleochilds.com/

And find her on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cleochildspoetry

Reese’s Take-Away: Give yourself permission to not judge yourself while you go through your grief. Use creative expression in whatever way works for you, and don’t focus on it being perfect. Finally, be kind to others and yourself, which is the legacy my mother left with me.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com