Terry Leedom Writes for Children about Dementia

At a recent Prairie Canary, Grinnell book-signing event, Terri Leedom, West Des Moines graphic artist, introduced an illustrated children’s book she wrote to help children understand family members’ illness. Per Terri’s forward, “My Silly Granny is a Children’s book about dementia. It is designed to help young children understand why people they love may exhibit strange behavior, while also providing ideas for adults to help their children engage with and help these ones they love cope with this disease.”

Pictured at the event is Mayflower Community’s Community Life Coordinator, Tracy Woolfolk (left) and Terri. Terri’s mother, Donna Keeton, whose life generated the book, lived at Mayflower where Tracy provided support for her. Also attending the book signing from Mayflower were Kellie McGriff, Associate Director/Administrator, and Lisa Leris, Director of Health Services.

Terri said about her mother’s support, “Thank you so much to Mayflower Community for taking such good care of my mom, during the time she stayed at Mayflower a few years ago. The attention and love that was given to her goes beyond words. ‘Love is the Answer!’
I hope her wit and humor, her silliness on her good days, inspired others at Mayflower.”

“I believe that love is always the answer! Even though I wrote a book, sometimes putting into words what is in my heart is not always easy.”

— Kellie McGriff, Associate Director/Administrator