A New Year's Eve celebration with those living with dementia and Alzheimer's feels sacred, filled with soft moments, memories, and unexpected joy. Paper hats sit crooked, cider overflows, noisemakers honking away, and questions may be repeated, but heart and presence matter most. On this very day at the Veranda, stories unfold—some vivid, some fragments—showing that memory lives in body and spirit. Laughter erupts over funny tales, while tender moments honor loved ones lost. The countdown may vary, but the true celebration is about togetherness. Hugs, music, and shared memories remind us that feelings matter more than details, and even in forgetfulness, we remain whole and worthy here.

This is what Veranda Ministries and Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's mission are all about. Happy New Year!

We don't have to remember everything to feel something.
We don't need every detail to know love.
And even in forgetting, we are still ourselves—still belonging, still worthy, still here.

www.verandaministries.org

This week, we're highlighting The Veranda's extraordinary ministry where dignity, purpose, and compassion come together beautifully. The Veranda is preparing to launch a new church service specifically for those living with dementia, creating a safe and sacred space where everyone can worship freely and feel deeply loved. Also shared on this episode is how The Veranda continues to support caregivers through groups that offer encouragement, community, and understanding during difficult times.

Additionally, they recently celebrated a major success: their Christmas Wishbook Marketplace! With ornate baskets, handmade gifts, and delicious baked goods, the event raised essential funds to sustain The Veranda's mission. Join us as we explore the heart, hope, and miracles happening at The Veranda—where ministry truly meets memory, and every life still has a song to sing.

www.verandaministries.org

In this deeply personal episode, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly reveals a long-hidden family secret, an admission that, once uncovered, changed the course of events forever. Although the truth may be upsetting, Mary Anne stresses that it is also the foundation for healing. Her story explores how hidden truths affect future generations and how those with dementia may carry the weight of concealed pain and unresolved memories. This discussion highlights that honesty, even when difficult, is an act of compassion. While truth doesn't erase the past, it can help shape a transformative future.

The Veranda's "Wishbook Wonderland" Open House, Bazaar, and Marketplace takes place Friday and Saturday, December 5th & 6th, at the Veranda Ministries location, 9 am to 3 pm each day, 650 #4 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN. The public is invited.

www.verandaministries.org