by Holly McDede (’25). This story was originally published on November 9, 2025 for KALW.

Brenda Sue Piñata was feeling stressed and alone as she cared for her husband, Frank, a fellow math teacher and former Merchant Marine who loved to dance and was struggling with dementia. She found an outlet in journaling and writing poems such as one titled: “Am I the Caregiver or the Receiver.” Through a poetry group just for caregivers, Brenda Sue found support and learned how to frame her narrative. Frank passed away and Brenda Sue followed shortly after, leaving behind pages and pages of poems and other writings that have given her son solace.

The six-minute story comes up at the 5:50 mark here.