My mom grieved the real talks dementia took away with my grandpa. I loved the nonsense ones.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman with grandfather
The author found new ways to talk to her grandfather when he had dementia.

Courtesy of the author

  • My grandpa's dementia made conversations unpredictable and confusing.
  • I learned to accept his reality instead of correcting him.
  • That approach helped us stay connected in a new way.

"What's your favorite color, grandpa?"

While other moms carried their kids' backpacks, I handed mine a wrench. It taught her independence.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Woman posing for camera

Courtesy of the author

My closest friendships came from motherhood. They didn't last.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Technology
Old photo of mom
The author doesn't speak to her mom friends anymore.

Courtesy of the author

I spend Mother's Day at my son's grave. It's the only place I feel like a whole family.

Tech Insider : Business
The author and her two kids at the grave of her son, William.
The author and her family spend Mother's Day at her son William's grave.

Courtesy of Susie Shaw

My grandmother stepped in when I needed her. I stepped up for her later.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Family photo
The author took care of her grandmother as she got older.

Courtesy of the author

The moms in my life always say they don't need anything for Mother's Day. That's why I make sure to celebrate them year-round.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman holding a Mother's Day card.
The author (not pictured) works year-round to give back to the moms in her life.

SanyaSM/Getty Images

I made the dessert Meghan Markle named after her daughter. It's perfect for Mother's Day.

Tech Insider : Business
Meghan Markle making cookies.
Meghan Markle named her Chantilly Lili dessert after her daughter, Princess Lilibet.

Jake Rosenberg / Netflix

Most people buy presents they'd want themselves. A professional gift consultant charges $150 to help you avoid that mistake.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman sitting on a sofa holding a book
Alanna Silver advises her clients on buying the perfect gift.

Courtesy of Alanna Silver

Florists share the 7 mistakes to avoid when buying someone flowers

Tech Insider
Hand reaching out to touch paper of a bouquet of roses in a display of flowers
Asking a florist for something custom might help you get a better bouquet than you'd find on the shelf.

Angel Santana/Getty Images

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