Welcome to “Grandma and Grandpa Go West” – My Name is Alice. In 1854, Horace Greeley said, “Go west, young man, and grow up with the country.” In 2025, my husband Jonathan and I heard, “Go west, decidedly mature couple, and see what happens.”

Going On Two Years Ago, Jonathan was Diagnosed with Dementia. He is at an early stage of the disease. Even so, it was a shock to say the least. We were living in New York City at the time – Astoria, Queens to be exact. We understood right off that this home place might not work for our new circumstances. We needed to make a move. But where would that move be?

Back in the Aughts We Went West to Help Raise Our Grandkids. We stayed for ten years on Vashon Island in Washington State. We loved it there but never intended that relocation to be permanent. We were New Yorkers after all, which is a state of mind as well as a state of place.

Now We Were Searching for a New Place. This time, that venue would most likely be permanent. Our first thought was of Vashon. Unfortunately, the island has become quite pricey, with few housing opportunities at any expense level. A knotty dilemma indeed – especially for me, the caregiver.

“Go West, You Two” was Lodged in Our Imaginations. To be totally honest, I was worried. We needed a specific destination – soon. When the possibility of an Idaho venue arose, we agreed, even though it was not our dream place. Welcome to “Grandma and Grandpa Go West” – My Name is Alice.

Then, a Mini-Miracle Occurred. Actually a maxi-miracle for us. A long-time Vashon friend invited us to share her house – a charming blue cottage in need of an upgrade. The perfect project for Jonathan, the upgrade king. She has also been increasingly isolated since her husband passed. This arrangement could work out well for all of us.

So – Here I am, Sharing Our Story. For many years, I have encouraged and taught others to share their real-life stories. To conjure them up and write it all down. Now I shall attempt to take my own advice. Welcome to “Grandma and Grandpa Go West” – My Name is Alice.

Tell Your Own Life Challenge Story. Have you ever confronted a situation that required making a risky change in your life? What was the toughest part of that challenge? When and where did it happen? Who was involved? What, specifically, occurred? How did you feel then? How do you feel about it now? Write your story. Straight from your heart.

Tell Your Own Heroic Story. Recall a time when you turned a dark moment to light in your life. What was the darkness? How did you bring light to the situation? Take pride in your accomplishment. You are the hero of this inspiring story. Portray yourself as such.

You are the Hero of Your Life Story. You experience difficulties. You persevere. You try your best to shield yourself and those you care about from harm. That is heroic. How does it feel to think of yourself as a hero in your life? Share those feelings in a response to this post. We would love to hear from you. Keep on Writing whatever may occur. Alice Orr. http://www.aliceorrbooks.com

Alice Orr. Teacher. Storyteller. Former Editor and Literary Agent. Author of 15 novels, 2 novellas, a memoir, and No More Rejections: 50 Secrets to Writing a Manuscript that Sells.

Read Alice’s Memoir. Lifted to the Light: A Story of Struggle and Kindness. At the beating heart of this moving story a woman fights to survive. All her life she has taken care of herself. Now she faces an adversary too formidable to battle alone. Available HERE.

Praise for Lifted to the Light: A Story of Struggle and Kindness: “I was lifted. I highly recommend this book as a can’t-put-down roadmap for anyone.” “Very, very well written. Alice Orr is an amazing author.” “Honest, funny, and consoling.” “I have read other books by Ms. Orr and am glad I haven’t missed this one.” “Couldn’t put it down.”

Experience Alice’s Suspense Novel Series. Riverton Road Romantic Suspense Series. Five intense stories of love, death and intrigue. Available HERE.

Praise for Riverton Road Romantic Suspense Series. “Romance and suspense at its best.” “I highly recommend this page-turner series.” “Twists and turns, strong characters, suspense and passionate love.” “The writing is exquisite.”

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Ask Alice Your Crucial Questions. What are you most eager to know about telling your own real-life stories? Ask your question(s) as a Comment following this post.

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