Deborah Tornillo

Deborah Tornillo was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas by her loving and nurturing parents. She attended the University of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she studied Art. After marrying, raising two daughters and enjoying life with her family, Deborah joined a higher calling by committing to be the primary caregiver for her parents, both of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in February 2006. In her new collection of memoirs, 36 Days Apart: A memoir of a daughter, her parents and the Beast named – Alzheimer’s: A story of Life, Love and Death, Deborah chronicles the time spent taking care of her mother and father. 36 Days Apart recounts this painful, enlightening journey, and Tornillo writes candidly about the struggles and fears she faced as her parents’ caregiver. As their disease progressed, Tornillo was faced with the difficult task of learning how to be a parent to her own parents. Through the year and a half of caring for them she extensively researched Alzheimer’s in order to provide the best care possible, all the while knowing that the disease would eventually win in the end. 36 Days Apart gives an honest, unflinching look at the realities of caring for and losing loved ones to Alzheimer’s. Tornillo gives the reader an inside look into the day-to-day life she faced during her heartbreaking, difficult time.

Articles:

Heaven Bound

Heaven Bound Year after year On your special day Mother’s Day I brought you flowers Gave you a hug and kiss Reminded you how special you were. Every one of those years I knew you were grateful For my gifts and my love Yet, a sadness remained In your beautiful blue eyes It remained throughout the years. I remember that dark day When we were told that Your only son, my only brother Was killed in war On Mother’s Day Body never recovered. But, this Mother’s Day I will rejoice for you, and Will no longer […]

Merry Christmas

Christmas lights sparkle Ornaments shine Rudolph’s nose so red Have I gone blind? Tears no longer blur My memories of you Why, this Christmas Do I feel joy too? The past few years Without you here Felt like I was drowning My heart ached so real. Everything I see And, everything I do A Christmas gift of memories Of the years spent with you. Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad Deborah Ann Tornillo Copyright© 2010 Author, 36 Days Apart http://wwwdeborahtornillo.com

One October Day

Remember on that October day? You were very determined To have it your way. Even though you cared You didn’t want me there. Daddy, I needed to be near. Remember on that October day? I wanted to have it my way. Determined to stay. You knew that I was scared More than my heart could bare. But, Daddy – I cared. If I could have changed that day I would have had it my way Daddy, you would have stayed. Deborah Ann Tornillo Copyright© 2010 http://www.deborahtornillo.com

Thank You for Loving Me

When I was born God gave me The greatest gift of all He gave me my mother. My mother’s love was Unconditional. Her love was Sacrificial, but infinite. Everyday I’m grateful To my Lord For his precious gift A mother’s love. Through her I learned Faith, Hope and Love. The greatest of these Is love. Mom, Happy Mother’s Day. I miss and love you. Thank you for loving me. Deborah Ann Tornillo Author, 36 Days Apart Copyright © 2010 http://www.deborahtornillo.com

Poem: A Soul

Hiding amongst The shadows Of a broken heart Lives a soul Torn apart. Blistered and Burned by Death’s Blinding rays Fear of tomorrow Remain today. Peering through The crevasses of Hope and faith Reality slaps her Back into place. Rays of sunshine Happiness and Joy Once trusted And, vital Not anymore. Deborah Ann Tornillo Author, 36 Days Apart Copyright© 2010

Poem: High on a Shelf

I put my heart in a box Placed it high on a shelf Where it will be safe with Loving memories of you. When I’m filled with sorrow I’ll peek inside the box Feel my grieving heart and Remember joy with you. When I’m filled with anger I’ll peek inside the box Feel my heart hurting and Remember happiness with you. When I’m filled with fear I’ll peek inside the box Feel my lonely heart and Remember feeling safe with you. It will be safe on the shelf In a beautifully carved box My heart beating strongly For the day […]

Poem: A Gift of Sorrow

I close my eyes It all goes away. Today, tomorrow The sorrow. I open my eyes Rushes back in. Curse at my Lord I’ve committed a sin. If I keep them closed I hide within. Will he forgive me? I’ve cursed him. Open my eyes Accept tomorrow. The gift he’s given The sorrow. Deborah Ann Tornillo Copyright© 2010 http://www.deborahtornillo.com http://www.authorsden.com/dtornillo

Poem: A Blind Eye

Can I turn a blind eye? Say to myself “It is what it is” or Turn a face of denial? I can turn it on Right or wrong. Trying to stay strong For however long. Torment, a reality Eats away at the core Continue to pray, Pray to My Lord. Can I turn a blind eye? Say to myself “Yes I can” I’m in denial. Lord, do you feel me? My broken heart It hurts. Torn, torn apart. Deborah Ann Tornillo Author, 36 Days Apart Copyright© 2010 http://www.deborahtornillo.com

Poem: A Struggle Within

Fall of 2007 He opened the Gates of Heaven. He took them By their hand. To a Promised Land. He showed them A shining light. An Eternal Life. Spring of 2010 Still struggling and Missing them. In this distant land He promised to Hold my hand. Still struggling and Missing them. A struggle within. Deborah Ann Tornillo Author, 36 Days Apart Copyright© 2010 http://www.deborahtornillo.com

Poem: Beginning and End

You were there I took my first breath. Knowing there would be many left. You were there I looked into my mother’s eyes. It was your plan never to be denied. You were there I took my first steps. You love me even through my missteps. You were there I cried my first tears. You exchanged them for joy many years. You were there Giving me the gifts of life. The joy of being a mother and a loved wife. You were there I told my father it was okay to let go. Breaking my heart, it was a devastating […]

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