
Meditative Story Who is leading who? by Beth Lisick
Dec 16, 2025
Beth Lisick, an author and co-founder of the Porchlight storytelling series, shares her transformative experience caring for Bill, a man with frontotemporal dementia. As she navigates chaotic outings and embraces the spontaneity of their adventures, she learns about compassion, the hidden struggles of others, and the beauty of small joys. Their time together reveals profound insights into grief, presence, and mutual healing, ultimately reshaping her perspective on care and connection.
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Last-Minute Side Gig Turns Serious
- Beth accepts a companion job caring for Bill, a retired doctor with frontotemporal dementia.
- The role begins as a side gig but quickly becomes emotionally intense and formative.
Grief Lowers The Threshold For Risk
- Beth is low from recent family loss and health news when she starts the job.
- That vulnerability makes her more likely to enter surprising, transformative experiences.
Stay Present And Trail-Lead
- Use present-moment attention as an active tool when supervising someone with dementia.
- Stay alert to hazards and physically position yourself to guide and protect them.


