Large print life story journal for parents and grandparents Their life, in their own words.
A large print journal with 56 questions, made for parents and grandparents, including those living with early dementia, Alzheimer's or ALS. They write at their own pace, or tell the story aloud while someone writes it down.
Paperback $29.99 · Hardcover $39.99 · Free US shipping on 2+ books
Written by them, not about them.
Most life story books are written about someone. This one is written by the person whose story it is.
- 18 pointlarge print questions
- 56questions, six chapters
- 128cream pages, 7 x 10 in
- Alone or togetherwrite it or tell it aloud
Made for when memory or the body makes writing harder.
Penned by Me was designed for parents and grandparents living with early memory loss, Alzheimer's, dementia or ALS, and for the family who wants to hear their story in their own words.
Early memory loss, Alzheimer's and dementia
Nothing in the book asks "Do you remember?" Every question has a shorter "Or simply" way in, a single word counts as an answer, and any page can stay blank. What Matters to Me in Care records routines and comforts, so new helpers know what makes them feel at home.
ALS and other conditions that affect hands or voice
When holding a pen is tiring or speech takes effort, the Write Together pages let someone they trust hold the pen. The story is told in their own words, written down word for word, and each page notes who told it and who wrote it.
A journal, not a medical or therapeutic tool. It does not treat or slow any condition.
Paperback or hardcover.
The same 128 pages inside. Choose the lighter paperback or the sturdier hardcover.
See every page and detail
One question. A smaller way in.
Every question has a shorter "Or simply" line, so one detail is already a full answer.
Questions are set in 18 point on 7 x 10 inch cream pages, with wide lines and room for bigger handwriting.
What's inside.
All About Me, six chapters of questions, six letters to people they choose, What Matters to Me in Care, Write Together, photo pages and pages of their own.
When writing gets harder, tell it aloud.
On the Write Together pages, someone they trust holds the pen.
- They choose the question.
- They tell it in their own words.
- The helper writes it down, word for word.
- Each page notes who told the story and who wrote it.
Giving it as a gift.
Before you wrap it, mark one question you would love to hear them answer. It gives the first page a reason to open.
Ordering for both parents? Two books ship free in the US, so each can write in their own.
For the person helping
Writing Together, Gently
Our free 10-page guide covers first questions, short sessions and writing word for word. No email needed.
Download the free guide (PDF)Questions and answers.
Who is it for?
Parents and grandparents who want to put their own stories on paper. It is usually given by an adult son or daughter, a partner or a grandchild.
How large is the print?
Questions are 18 point. Every other word in the book is 16 point or larger, in black ink on cream paper, with wide writing lines.
Can someone help write in it?
Yes. Eleven Write Together pages let the writer tell a story while someone they trust writes it down, word for word.
Is it made for someone with dementia or Alzheimer's?
Yes. It was designed for parents and grandparents living with early memory loss, Alzheimer's or dementia, as well as for any parent who simply wants to write their story. Nothing in it tests recall, questions are short, print is 18 point, and any page can stay blank. It is a journal, not a medical or therapeutic tool, and it does not treat or slow any condition.
Can someone living with ALS use it?
Yes. The Write Together pages are made for this. They tell the story, by voice or with a communication device, and a helper writes it down word for word. Each page records who told it and who wrote it, so the voice stays theirs.
Does it have to be filled in in order?
No. They can open it anywhere, skip any question and come back another day.
How does shipping work?
Each book is printed to order. Printing takes about 3 to 5 business days and delivery about 3 to 7 business days after that. US shipping is $5.99 per order and free on two or more books.