The cover of Lisa Steele-Maley’s new book.
Inn Along the Way is pleased to help Edgecomb author Lisa Steele-Maley launch her new book at a garden party in its barn on Thursday, July 12 from 5-6 p.m. Following a presentation and reading from “Without a Map: A Caregiver’s Journey through the Wilderness of Heart and Mind,” attendees are invited to linger for evening snacks and conversation in the gardens and trails at Chapman Farm. Copies of the book will be available for purchase that evening.
When Steele-Maley began helping her father navigate the details of a life interrupted by dementia, she was in unfamiliar territory. As a wilderness traveler, she was accustomed to adapting to ever-changing situations, but as her father’s health declined, the idea of finding stability seemed impossible. Only one thing was sure: her father was losing perspective — losing track of time, the slippers at his feet, and his ability to find his way home. Steele-Maley wasn’t sure she had the skills, experience, or patience to competently travel this path with him, but taking one step at a time, she found it was as simple — and as profound — as life in the wilderness: be prepared, be present, trust the process, stay close.
“Without a Map” weaves together Steele-Maley’s experience of caregiving with lessons gleaned from decades of wilderness travel, rural living, and parenting. Revealing the uncertainty, wisdom, love, and reciprocity of a caregiving relationship, this memoir contributes a deeply personal perspective to the subjects of dementia and aging.
Inn Along the Way is a collaborative community offering older adults, and those seeking temporary relief from the responsibilities of caregiving, an environment of support, purpose, and sustainability in a multigenerational and mutually interdependent setting. Inn Along the Way is currently seeking donations to complete construction of Phase 1, which will open the inn and cafe to the public.
