Alice Kalso

I have two loves: working with seniors and telllng their stories. I wrote my first poem at age 8, and suddenly became convinced of the power of words. About the same time, I was taken by my second love: my "adopted grandmas" in my father's church. After the service, I would make a beeline for them. I received attention and love. "You are such a beautiful girl," they'd say. Not actually true, but much appreciated.

Fast forward to 1994. I had married, raised children, and worked for a newspaper then owned by the Washinton Post. I had also published more than 200 newspaper and magazine articles. But now it was time to return to those grandmas. I began marketing at a retirement community where I helped seniors and their families with transition issues. I soon discovered how this last chapter of life is one of the hardest for both generations .There are so many issues: driving or no driving, moving or staying put, finding rehab, and end of life.

I knew I loved seniors. Now I began to realize that I loved their children as well. I dubbed the children "Alice's Angels," because so many of them went the extra mile in tackling hard issues on behalf of their parents. I also began a blog to address

elder care issues.

"Elder Care SOS: Facing Hard Choices With Hope" is my first book It is designed for adult children. Some of the questions it answers: Why Has My Dad Turned Into a Dirty Old Man?" "Why does Mom fib about falling?" "Why does Dad refuse to move?"

Interwoven is the book's theme: adult children need help and hope. They also need each other.