In 2020 my wife Diane — the woman to whom I owe everything — was diagnosed with Lewy body disease.

I created The Diane Project because I thought people might want to hear from one of the 11 million unpaid caregivers whose loved ones have cognitive disease. My hope is that readers become less fearful and more proactive about dementia and caregiving.

Diane is gone now but the work of The Diane Project continues. So I’m writing monthly updates here, featuring stories from my life and rec’s for good books and soup recipes.

My name is Aaron and I was a TV critic for the Kansas City Star and Primetimer. Diane had careers as a freelance writer, textbook editor and historian. At the time of her diagnosis, we were writing books and giving talks together.

As our world was slowly upended, we adapted: downsizing, moving, retiring, joining, asking, accepting, reading, running and above all, learning to give care.

The Diane Project will always be free to read. Before you jump in, please hit that Subscribe button. I’ll send you “What Every New Cognitive Caregiver Needs To Do.” It’s the guide I wish I had when we were starting on this journey.