Life in the A-Zone

In this heartfelt episode of Life in the A-Zone, Peggy sits down with hospice nurse consultant Craig Schaap for a deeply moving conversation about caregiving, end-of-life care, and the unexpected moments of grace that can arise during life’s most difficult seasons. Craig shares his experience spending six years at the bedside of terminally ill patients and their families, and his current work with Gentiva Hospice in Baton Rouge. Together, Peggy and Craig explore what hospice truly is (and what it isn’t), when families should begin to consider it, and the emotional realities caregivers often carry silently. Craig also shares a deeply personal story about his father’s final fishing trip—and how, to this day, he honors him by throwing the first fish he catches back into the water. It’s a simple but powerful reminder of how love, memory, and connection continue long after goodbye. Peggy reflects on her own journey when her mother was placed on hospice and the roller coaster of emotions during those final weeks before her passing from Alzheimer’s, along with the Pink Cloud Moments that helped her find peace and meaning along the way. This conversation offers comfort, clarity, and compassion for anyone navigating caregiving or facing end-of-life decisions. It is a reminder that even in letting go, there can be love, meaning, and moments of light.   #HospiceCare #GriefJourney #MomentsOfGrace #HealingThroughGrief #CaregiverLife #Alzheimers #Dementia #Loveandloss  

There was a time when Easter felt like magic. New dresses laid out the night before. White shoes worn just once a year. The smell of ham in the oven after church. Baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, jellybeans, and just enough surprise to make you believe in something wonderful. And at the center of it all… family. But as life moves forward, holidays begin to change. The tables look different. The traditions shift. And sometimes, the joy is held alongside something heavier—grief. In this heartfelt episode of Life in the A-Zone, Peggy reflects on the beauty of Easter memories while navigating the quiet ache of what has been lost. Through storytelling and reflection, she explores what it means to hold both joy and grief at the same time—and how, even in the midst of change, love remains. This episode includes a special revisit of A Basket of Memories, a deeply personal story that captures the spirit of Easter, past and present. Whether you are celebrating, remembering, or simply getting through the day, this episode is a gentle reminder: You are not alone. And sometimes, in the middle of it all…there is still a Pink Cloud Moment waiting.   #Easter #Eastermemories #grief #caregiving #Alzheimers #dementia #caregiverjourney #memoir #family #motherdaughter #lifeintheAzone #pinkcloudmoments #storytelling

In this deeply moving episode of Life in the A-Zone, Peggy Sweeney-McDonald sits down with author Karen McCord to talk about the life and legacy of her daughter, beloved sports journalist Carley McCord, who tragically lost her life in a 2019 plane crash while traveling to cover the LSU playoff game in Atlanta. Karen shares memories of Carley’s vibrant life—from her early days as a pageant queen to her rising career in sports journalism—and reflects on the unimaginable grief that followed her sudden loss. In the midst of this tragedy, Karen had recently lost her father, and her mother was living in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s—yet she found a way to navigate both grief and caregiving at the same time. Karen’s memoir Only Rainbows: The Carley McCord Story tells the story of her family’s journey through heartbreak toward healing, reminding us that grief changes us—but it doesn’t have to destroy us. Peggy and Karen also reflect on how they met while walking around a neighborhood lake, encouraging each other to keep writing and share their stories. This episode is a powerful conversation about loss, grief, faith, resilience, and the unexpected moments of grace that sometimes appear in the darkest times. Listen now and share with someone who may need a little hope today. #grief #faith #lossofachild #resilience #healing #author #memoir #caregiving #alzheimers #loss #motherdauther #love #family #findinghope #dayatatime #womensvoices

A memoir writing class at the 2019 Louisiana Book Festival planted the seed. During COVID in 2020, I began sharing my caregiving stories from a walk-in closet—creating the Life in the A-Zone podcast. That journey became my memoir, Life in the A-Zone: How I Embraced My Mother’s Alzheimer’s—One Pink Cloud Moment at a Time, along with two Pink Cloud Moments companion journals. This episode captures the heart behind the book launch. Because sometimes healing our grief begins the moment we tell the truth out loud. #memoir #caregiving #alzheimers #dementia #podcast #family #caregiverjourney #grief #healing #storytelling #journaling #author #writing      

The holidays can be complicated—especially for those who are grieving, caregiving, or missing someone they love. In this episode of Life in the A-Zone, Peggy shares a tender Christmas story from the heart of her Alzheimer’s caregiving journey with her mother. This episode gently holds space for both the grief we carry and the moments of light, laughter, and unexpected joy that still find us. This episode also marks a soft launch of Life in the A-Zone, the memoir that grew from these stories and lived experiences. What began as a podcast has now become a book—created to offer comfort, connection, and hope to caregivers and families walking this journey. Peggy also created the Pink Cloud Moments - A Sacred Space Journal for Caregivers, a gentle companion for the holidays and beyond. Designed as a sacred space to pause, reflect, and take care of yourself, the journal offers simple prompts and moments of stillness during a season that can feel overwhelming. If the holidays feel heavy this year, you are not alone. Take what you need from this episode, and leave the rest. *A gentle listen—and a loving reminder to care for yourself while caring for others. You can find Life in the A-Zone—along with the Pink Cloud Moments Caregiver Journal—on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.com.   #alzheimersawareness #AgingParents #holidaygrief #holidayblues #griefsupport  #FamilyCaregiver #grief #dementia #caregivers #mindfulness #mentalhealth #selfcare  

In this heartfelt episode of Life in the A-Zone, Peggy welcomes back artist and journal designer Jackie Begue to reflect on a meaningful milestone: being invited to speak at the very first meeting of a new caregiver support group that has chosen to use the Pink Cloud Moments™ Caregiving Journal as part of their weekly gatherings. Peggy and Jackie share how this special evening came together—beginning with a thoughtful referral from author Karen McCord (Only Rainbows: The Carley McCord Story)—and how it led them into a room full of caregivers ready to connect, reflect, and support one another. Together, they walk listeners through the night: ✨ How journaling helps caregivers process emotions, release stress, and gain clarity ✨ The journal prompts that opened the door to honest and healing conversations ✨ Caregivers sharing their challenges, gratitude, and small victories ✨ Peggy’s reading of what a true Pink Cloud Moment is ✨ The uplifting Angel Art Project designed to bring lightness and creativity after the emotional sharing ✨ The healing power of community, storytelling, and showing up for ourselves and one another If you’re a caregiver—or love someone who is—this episode offers comfort, encouragement, and a gentle reminder that you are not alone. Interested in bringing a journaling workshop or caregiver event to your own group? Visit: PeggySweeneyMcDonald.com | Lifeinthea-zone.com | JackieBegue.com Instagram: @PeggySweeneyMc | @PinkCloudMoments | @lifeintheazonepodcast | @jackiebegueart  #Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #caregiving #pinkcloudmomentsjournal #CaregiverCommunity #JournalingForHealing #CaregiverJournaling #PinkCloudMoments #LifeInTheAZone #AlzheimersCaregiver #DementiaCaregiving #Journaling #SelfCareForCaregivers #HealingJourney #AngelArtProject #CreativeHealing #SupportGroup #CompassionateCare #PeggySweeneyMcDonald #JackieBegueArt  

In this episode, I sit down with artist and co-creator Katherine Martin to talk about the journey of bringing the Pink Cloud Moments: Divine Angelic Inspiration Journal to life. Katherine shares how her angel artwork began as a personal practice of healing and blossomed into a source of comfort and inspiration for others. Together, we explore the concepts of the Angel of Inspiration, the Angel of Surrender, and the Angels of Creativity, and discuss how “naming your own angel” and finding pink cloud moments can serve as powerful tools for resilience and renewal. We also share the behind-the-scenes story of how this journal came together with designer Jackie Begue and why creativity, spirituality, and journaling can open sacred space for divine connection and hope.   #LifeInTheAZone #PinkCloudMoments #DivineAngelicInspiration #AngelArt #CaregiverSupport #SpiritualJournaling #AlzheimersJourney #CreativityAndHealing #PodcastCommunity #FaithAndHope #Spirituality #self-care #mindfulness #angels #angeldivination #angelicinspiration #journals #journalingforhealing #grief #bookevents #selfpublishing #journalgifts 

  In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with my friend, artist Jackie Begue, to talk about rebooting, resilience, and the creative spark that can emerge from life’s unexpected turns. We share the story of her beautiful “Resilience” artwork of waterlilies — and how it inspired me to invite her to illustrate and collaborate on my Pink Cloud Moments™ Sacred Space Journal for Caregivers, launching September 19th on Amazon. Along the way, we reflect on the past few years of travel, moving home to Louisiana, personal growth, and rebooting after challenging seasons. Plus, we chat about the exciting projects ahead with my memoir Life in the A-Zone and new guided journals. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at friendship, art, and the courage to keep creating no matter where life takes you. #Resilience #Creativity #PinkCloudMoments #LifeInTheAZone #Memoir #Journals #Artist #JackieBegue #Caregiving #ArtInspiration #Journaling #selfcare #Grief #Caregivers #Alzheimers #Dementia #Cancer #Family #Friendship #Art      

Peggy and her sister Shannan rush back from Washington D.C. when her mother takes a turn for the worse. Miraculously, they are able to be by her side with the family as she took her last breath. The sky glowed pink hours before she passed and whenever family or friends see a pink sky, they will remember it is a Sherry Sky.     #Alzheimers #Alzheimersjourney #caregiver #grief #dementia #personalstories #mentalhealth #storytelling #podcastseries #caretaker #familydisease #healingthroughstories #adultchildren #mother/daughter #loveandloss #Louisiana #southernfamily

Peggy and her three sisters plan a 62nd-anniversary party for their parents at the Memory Care facility after their Mother is placed on Hospice Care. Alzheimer's may have taken his wife's health and her zest for life, but it was important to their father to celebrate their lifetime of love. 

Peggy spends the night with her mother at the memory care facility and in a moment of peace, her mother tells her everything will be alright. Peggy realizes her mother's struggle with Alzheimer's is slowly coming to an end. 

Peggy's mother is barely speaking these days as she grows weaker from Alzheimer's. However, in a special moment of clarity at the Memory Care facility, she shares a beautiful and heartwarming life lesson.

Peggy takes her mother to the hospital and everything changes as she is placed on palliative care. Alzheimer's is winning the battle and Peggy surrenders to the bleak reality.  

As her mother settles into her new life at an Alzheimer's Memory Care facility, Peggy and her father begin to adjust to an empty house without her. The Alzheimer's struggle at home is gone, but so is her mother's love and spirit. 

The last weekend with Peggy's mother before moving her into a memory care facility has arrived. Nothing can prepare the family for this life-changing moment in their Alzheimer's struggle. Friday night is bittersweet as Peggy and her mom share beignets in the backseat of the car creating a special memory.

Peggy realizes it's time for her mother to leave the nest as the family prepares to move her into an Alzheimer's memory care facility. The beloved home her mother built will never be the same once she is gone.

Decorating for the holidays is bittersweet this year. Peggy realizes this will be her mother's last Christmas at home and she longs for Christmas of yesteryear as a lifetime of memories fills her heart.

Another step down the ladder of the Alzheimer’s journey is inevitable as Peggy’s mother begins walking out of the house unnoticed. Trying to figure out the next move to keep her safe brings confusion and frustration.

Taking an Alzheimer's patient on a cruise may not be a great idea, but Mom's 82nd birthday deserves a big celebration. Her smiles and endless laughter make it worth the awkward moments, and we are blessed with special memories.

Peggy and her father make plans for special trips with her mother, but soon realize road trips with an Alzheimer’s patient are challenging, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Their best-laid plans are trips to nowhere.     

Peggy plans a “good day” for her mother decorating the house for Easter sparking many childhood memories. Celebrating Easter may be different these days, however, creating new memories can be just as heartfelt and special.

Peggy's stressful day over her mother's choice of clothing for Grandparent's Day turns around that evening when her family goes to hear live music at a local bar. Watching her mother and father tenderly slow dance under the stars creates lasting memories of the love between her parents that will live forever.

Peggy takes a girl's trip to Natchez, Mississippi with her mother, her mother's best friend, and her daughter. The weekend is a celebration of friendship and love with a side of pie.  Everything is better with pie!

Simple life lessons to deal with her mother's Alzheimer's are discovered as Peggy walks around the beautiful neighborhood lake encountering a White Heron, a Blue Heron, and a gaggle of Canadian Geese. A crawfish boil at a neighbor's home brings a much needed afternoon of Louisiana festive fun and new friends.   Website: Lifeinthea-zone.com Instagram: LifeintheAZonepodcast Facebook: Life In the A-Zone Twitter: LifeintheaZ  

A morning of surrender and reaching out for help turns into a beautiful day when Peggy snaps a beautiful picture of her mother in the backyard. This simple photograph invokes loving memories of her Grandmother and captures a pink cloud moment of grace and gratitude.

For Peggy, shopping with her mother followed by a lovely lunch with the Sweeney sisters was a favorite mother/daughter bonding activity. However, shopping now with their new unwelcome friend, Alzheimer's, is a different story altogether. 

Peggy Sweeney-McDonald shares her stories of love and life in the Alzheimer's zone while living with her mother after she was diagnosed.    This is Episode 2: Meatball Madness -A crazy night in the Sweeney kitchen when my mother who has Alzheimer's decides she wants to make her meatballs and spaghetti.    #Alzheimers #Alzheimersjourney #caregiver #dementia #grief #personalstories #adultchildren #mother/daughter #Alz #family disease #healingthroughstories #caretaker #alzeimerssupport #storytelling #caretaking #family #loveandloss #lifeintheA-zone

Peggy Sweeney-McDonald shares her stories of love and life in the Alzheimer's zone while living with her mother after she was diagnosed.   This is Episode 1: The Decision - The day my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's changed the course of our lives and we were never the same.   #Alzheimers #Alzheimersjourney #caregiver #dementia #grief #personalstories #adultchildren #mother/daughter #Alz #family disease #healingthroughstories #caretaker #alzeimerssupport