Aging Angst Alleluias

On this episode of Aging Angst & Alleluias with Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, we're celebrating a landmark moment for Veranda Ministries—the official signing of new legislation by Bill Lee that expands their reach! This victory means more clients served and an additional day of respite care each week—real help, real hope, and real impact for families navigating dementia care. It's a joyful, hard-earned win you won't want to miss. And the celebration keeps going! Join us Thursday, April 30, 2026, for a one-of-a-kind Derby Day fundraiser—complete with six spirited horse-walker "racers," laughter, and community fun—all to support the life-changing work of The Veranda. It's more than an event… It's a "Standing Promotion" kind of day! For more information on how you can contribute to Derby Day and choose your "horse", get on this link: https://verandaministries.square.site/product/2026-veranda-derby-day/XEMCXZ2T3ROAMUFF4QRZROEK?cs=true&cst=custom

4/27/26 • 25:41

In this powerful and joy-filled episode, we celebrate a significant milestone for respite care in Tennessee—new legislation that allows The Veranda to expand its reach, welcoming five additional clients into the day program and increasing care availability to 12 hours per week. This long-awaited breakthrough represents more than policy change—it's answered prayer, faithful perseverance, and a tangible step forward for caregivers and families who so deeply need support. We also share the moving story of Julia, a devoted benefactor whose belief in Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and her unwavering commitment to "honoring the project" helped carry the vision through seasons of uncertainty. Her generosity and faith remind us that behind every victory are people who quietly say "yes" to God's prompting—and mean it. Plus, a heartfelt glimpse into a recent Dementia-Friendly Good Friday service, where sacred moments met real-life ministry. Mary Anne recounts the honor of singing "The Goodness of God" alongside her dear friend Louise, who lives with Frontal Temporal Dementia—a moment filled with tenderness, memory, and the unmistakable presence of God. www.verandaministries.org

4/8/26 • 33:48

This episode of the Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast features Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and highlights the importance of respite care advocacy in Tennessee. She discusses the legislative landscape with compassion, shining a light on families and caregivers in need of support and dignity. The episode covers legislation such as SB1581 and HB1495 and recognizes leaders such as Sen. Ferrell Haile and Rep. William Slater, who champion limited respite care. It emphasizes that this is not a final victory but a hopeful 'meantime'—a moment for prayer and persistence—to keep progressing. It encourages listeners to join this journey, supporting ongoing engagement, prayer, and awareness of how compassionate, Christ-centered respite care can make a difference in Tennessee. Thanks to voices like Mary Anne's and dedicated leaders, our momentum remains strong and hopeful.

3/26/26 • 26:16

In this second part of the conversation from episode 85, we want to pause for a moment and share something very real happening behind the scenes with Veranda Ministries. Right now, the Veranda is walking through the careful and sometimes complicated process of securing the proper legislation and permissions that would allow us to serve even more families whose loved ones have dementia. It's an important step, but also a season that requires patience, prayer, and a lot of wisdom. www.verandaministries.org

3/9/26 • 30:10

We sadly said goodbye to our beloved Lovie this month, a gentle soul who loved Jesus and cherished the Veranda. Today, we come together to celebrate and honor the beautiful person Lovie was to each of us. Veranda Ministries is currently navigating the complex process of obtaining legislation and permissions to serve more families in need. It's important to note that the Veranda is not an adult day care facility, but a respite care ministry—created specifically to give care partners a much-needed break while their loved ones are cared for with dignity, compassion, and Christ-centered love. This season requires patience, wisdom, and favor as doors are opened and guidelines are navigated. We ask for prayer—that God would grant clarity, provision, and supernatural favor with every decision-maker, and that He would continue to establish the Veranda as a place of rest, renewal, and hope for caregivers and families alike.  www.theverandaministries.org Send your comments and emails to: mailto:mao1024@gmail.com

2/16/26 • 24:15

There's no single formula for caring for those living with dementia—only small, meaningful pieces of a puzzle that gradually teach us how to love effectively.  This week's episode, with host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, explores how memory, grief, and dignity are interconnected in unexpected ways. From the lost stories buried deep inside the mind to the unwavering determination of carepartners who refuse to let those stories fade, this episode celebrates the journey of holding on—and letting go. Mary Anne reflects on her trip to Chehalis, Washington, for a family member's memorial service -a moment of unexpected closure filled with tears, laughter, and family embracing its history. This experience helped her realize that people with dementia also need to grieve; they feel the absence of loved ones, even if fuzzy or tangled. Allowing them to mourn, recount, or sit with loss respects their humanity and story. "Pieces of the Puzzle" invites us to see dementia care as a calling to remember together.  www.verandaministries.org mailto:mao1024@gmail.com

1/21/26 • 30:14

A New Year's Eve celebration with those living with dementia and Alzheimer's feels sacred, filled with soft moments, memories, and unexpected joy. Paper hats sit crooked, cider overflows, noisemakers honking away, and questions may be repeated, but heart and presence matter most. On this very day at the Veranda, stories unfold—some vivid, some fragments—showing that memory lives in body and spirit. Laughter erupts over funny tales, while tender moments honor loved ones lost. The countdown may vary, but the true celebration is about togetherness. Hugs, music, and shared memories remind us that feelings matter more than details, and even in forgetfulness, we remain whole and worthy here. This is what Veranda Ministries and Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's mission are all about. Happy New Year! We don't have to remember everything to feel something. We don't need every detail to know love. And even in forgetting, we are still ourselves—still belonging, still worthy, still here. www.verandaministries.org  

1/1/26 • 30:28

This week, we're highlighting The Veranda's extraordinary ministry where dignity, purpose, and compassion come together beautifully. The Veranda is preparing to launch a new church service specifically for those living with dementia, creating a safe and sacred space where everyone can worship freely and feel deeply loved. Also shared on this episode is how The Veranda continues to support caregivers through groups that offer encouragement, community, and understanding during difficult times. Additionally, they recently celebrated a major success: their Christmas Wishbook Marketplace! With ornate baskets, handmade gifts, and delicious baked goods, the event raised essential funds to sustain The Veranda's mission. Join us as we explore the heart, hope, and miracles happening at The Veranda—where ministry truly meets memory, and every life still has a song to sing. www.verandaministries.org

12/12/25 • 22:44

In this deeply personal episode, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly reveals a long-hidden family secret, an admission that, once uncovered, changed the course of events forever. Although the truth may be upsetting, Mary Anne stresses that it is also the foundation for healing. Her story explores how hidden truths affect future generations and how those with dementia may carry the weight of concealed pain and unresolved memories. This discussion highlights that honesty, even when difficult, is an act of compassion. While truth doesn't erase the past, it can help shape a transformative future. The Veranda's "Wishbook Wonderland" Open House, Bazaar, and Marketplace takes place Friday and Saturday, December 5th & 6th, at the Veranda Ministries location, 9 am to 3 pm each day, 650 #4 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN. The public is invited. www.verandaministries.org

11/13/25 • 34:18

This episode delves into the emotional challenges faced by care partners and highlights the crucial role of having an advocate in medical settings. Whether dealing with a planned surgical procedure or an unexpected medical emergency, family members may often feel helpless and vulnerable. Trusting medical professionals to care for your loved one is essential, yet this trust can sometimes be tested. It is important to recognize the need for an advocate, especially for older adults. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly emphasizes the significance of appointing someone you trust to assist not only with medical and psychological decisions for your loved one but also to support you during this challenging time. www.verandaministries.org Upcoming events for Veranda Ministries: "A Night of Faith, Music and Gratitude", featuring Dave Clark, Riley Harrison Clark, Allison Durham Speer, Lauren Talley, Bill Blackwood, Josh Singletary, Mary Anne Oglesby-Suther and Jeff & Sue Duffield. TUESDAY, Oct. 28th, 6:30 pm at First Baptist Church, 613 S. Main Street, Goodlettesville TN. $10 per person; plus a generous offering will be received to benefit the Veranda. "A Wish Book Wonderland" at the Veranda, 650 Nashville Pike B-4, Gallatin TN - an exceptional shopping experience, featuring beautiful festive baskets and gift items for purchace. December 5th & 6th, Friday & Saturday - from 9 am - 4 pm. The public is invited.

10/15/25 • 31:42

Respite care offers caregivers the opportunity to recharge and find joy, even in the midst of exhaustion. Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's is sacred but draining, and humor often helps. This episode celebrates the gift of respite, which eases burdens and restores happiness. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly shares stories with producer, Sue Duffield, from Mike Glenn's book, "Coffee With Mom - Caring For A Parent With Dementia," guaranteed to make you laugh. Churches are increasingly welcoming individuals with memory loss, developing programs that support their families. This episode offers hope and laughter, reminding us that even in the midst of forgetfulness, God's love helps us remember what truly matters. A "Faith, Music and Gratitude" concert benefiting The Veranda Ministries featuring Allison Durham Speer, Lauren Talley, Dave Clark, Billy Blackwood, Riley Harrison Clark, Josh Singletary, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, and Jeff & Sue Duffield, will take place at First Baptist Church of Goodlettsville, TN, on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025. Doors open at 6 pm. Admission is $10 per person, with a love offering during the event. mailto:mao1024@gmail.com www.verandaministries.org

10/1/25 • 31:29

Join us for an uplifting exploration of the life-changing impact of "Day Respite Care Centers" and the remarkable work of Veranda Ministries. You'll gain insight into the legal aspects of our program and get an exclusive update on the exciting changes on the horizon. We're eager to share our vision with you and invite your feedback on how just four hours can profoundly transform the lives of Tennessee's aging population and their families/care partners. Your opinions will be instrumental in shaping our mission to support those living with dementia and the aging population. We welcome perspectives from all states, as many programs offer similar "day respite" services. Please share your thoughts with us at mailto:mao1024@gmail.com. Your input will be invaluable in helping us drive positive change.  www.verandaministries.org

9/10/25 • 31:14

Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and her sidekick, producer Sue Duffield, will share their recent experiences with back problems, aching bodies, and the struggles of aging humorously. It's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.  However, beneath the humor, their conversation raises an important question: how do people with dementia cope with aches and pains? How can they communicate when they are hurting? It's a sobering thought that deserves attention and discussion. Being a CarePartner is challenging, but understanding your loved one in all stressful situations is essential to helping them adapt, adjust, and feel heard. www.verandaministries.org      

8/6/25 • 30:22

Laughter is good for our souls. It's especially good for those who have dementia, providing healing for those who grieve, no matter what our cognitive ability level might be. Today's "all over the place" episode starts off hilariously with "Gomer the bull" and a visit to Andy's Custard. Next is Mary Anne's description of falling on a slippery bathroom floor, added with the discussion of GeneSight, a pharmacogenomic test which analyzes how genes may affect medication outcomes. The GeneSight test is important for understanding genetic variations in your DNA. Results can inform your healthcare provider about how you may break down or respond to certain medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer's. www.verandaministries.org www.genesight.com Balcony People by Joyce Landorf Heatherly https://a.co/d/h00Ht0J

7/16/25 • 30:08

(Episode description by podcast producer, Sue Duffield) "Today's episode goes much deeper than just a story about host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's sister, Doris. Her heart-felt words will throttle the listener into a Netflix-like mini-series of hope, despair, miracles and over-the-top depth of secrets revealed. Mary Anne is at her finest here, but it took everything she had to disclose the family secret, all while her sister Doris transitioned into the after-life. You will find great compassion and understanding as to why Mary Anne is a soldier for the kingdom of caregiving. She searched her whole life to find the missing piece of the puzzle, only to realize that God in His infinite timing would sweep her into a week of miracles." www.verandaministries.org  

6/19/25 • 42:16

Host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly shares from her heart, knowing that she'll experience loss and grief very soon in her life, coping with the very thing which she compassionately teaches that comforts others. Caregivers, doulas and professionals like Mary Anne are typically the first line of support as they assist other dementia patients and their family members to cope with serious illness, feelings of loss, and the end of life. But now, it's her time.  This episode begins with the celebration of a new building that is shared by both the Veranda Ministries and the Preferred Care Group. An extraordinary collaboration is available to both organizations as they learn and glean from each other. And then there's Doris' story. Doris is Mary Anne's sister and her life is in the balance of God's hand right now. The grief she is feeling about her younger sibling is the emotional response to loss, defined as the individualized and personalized feelings and responses that an individual makes to real, perceived, or anticipated loss. The last gift that Mary Anne will give her sister is her presence, her words and her gift of love.

5/14/25 • 31:05

Who says those with dementia and Alzheimer's can't have fun?! What an exciting day at the Veranda Ministries for all who attended. The "ponies" ran (walkers decorated with blow-up horse heads!) and the laughter was contagious. This episode includes LIVE coverage of an exceptional day of celebration for all of the Veranda family and friends. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's vision continues, knowing how crucial it is to engage those with dementia with creative activities that provide comfort and relaxation, improving their quality of life.  Derby Day for dementia! www.verandaministries.org  

5/2/25 • 22:24

The brand new location for Veranda Ministries was celebrated with a dedication service, tasty food and community fellowship. This episode is filled with audio clips of the ribbon cutting and ceremony held on April 1st, 2025. Speakers Dusty Wells, Dr. Eddy Moody, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, Dave Clark, Billy Blackwood and others are featured in today's podcast episode, LIVE from the ceremony. A very exciting day for all, honoring the ministry of founder Mary Anne Oglesby Sutherly, her staff and countless volunteers. God's work is definitely first class here for those with dementia and their caregivers. www.verandaministries.org

4/14/25 • 37:20

The Heart of Mary House (HOMH) began in a two bedroom home located in the South Nashville area on the campus of St. Edward Church. The mission of Heart of Mary House is to provide a safe, comfortable, and peaceful home-like setting for underserved people who have been given a terminal prognosis and need somewhere to stay and someone to care for them during their final days and weeks. They were able to host two residents at a time in this home. Today's episode, host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and HOMH's director, Kim Derrick. share in the celebration of a new property for HOMH that was obtained in November of 2024. They moved their first resident into the home on February 17, 2025. This home has six bedrooms, two living areas, two full baths, a full kitchen, and two office spaces. The design of the home is more perfect than they could have ever imagined. HOMH is grateful and excited to care for triple the amount of people needing a safe, comfortable and peaceful home-like setting.  Nothing could be more perfect than two very distinct ministries, with brand new locations (The Veranda Ministries and Heart of Mary House) celebrating new buildings at the same time.  Two hearts; One mission - to care for those in their desperate time of need. Ribbon cutting ceremony for the new location of "Veranda Ministries" will be  April 1st, 2025 at 1pm - 650 Nashville Pike, Building 4, Gallatin, TN 37066. Refreshments will follow. The public is invited.   https://heartofmaryhouse.org/ https://theverandaministries.org/ 

3/26/25 • 40:17

Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly's guest, Anna Marie Adams, is an exceptional digital creator and Founder/CEO of the International Doula Life Movement. This episode is an honest conversation between both of these qualified and expert spokespersons for the need for doulas at every stage of seasoned life. This amazing partnership between the Veranda Ministries and IDLM continues to bring hope and answers for families, dealing with serious health conditions as well as end-of-life. From patient rights to final transitions, IDLM is a compassionate relationship-based care and resource for all who potentially desire to be an end-of-life doula, or those needing help with life planning. IDLM offers international doulas of all specialties a values and mission-based education, resource center, and community committed to helping them support others. Their motto: "Become an expert in helping the dying manage life's final stage." For more information on IDLM, https://www.internationaldoulalifemovement.com Veranda Ministries, https://www.verandaministries.org 

3/7/25 • 43:13

The Veranda Ministries has a new building and a new projection of goals to reach the aging community of Gallatin, TN and the surrounding areas. What an exciting look into the facility, the dreams fulfilled and the people that make it all happen. Founder and Director, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly candidly talks about this God-inspired transition in this episode. It is truly a gift of love!  For questions, comments and ways to support the Veranda Ministries, get on www.verandaministries.org

2/14/25 • 26:41

Celebrating the collaboration with the "I Love To Tell The Story" Podcast with Dave Clark and Dusty Wells and the "Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast" episode is an amazing conversation between Dave, Dusty and Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly. So what's her story, and why are Dave and Dusty so excited to share it? As her followers and subscribers already know, Mary Anne is the founder of an exceptional non-profit organization called the www.VerandaMinistries.org. Dave Clark says it right: "If you or someone in your family has had to walk through the dark journey known as Dementia and you are searching for honest answers from someone who truly understands, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Mary Anne strongly believes it's our Christian duty to treat our senior adults with respect and dignity and she lives out that call with unparalleled passion." Be sure to also subscribe and follow "I Love To Tell The Story Podcast." https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-love-to-tell-the-story/id1708725179

1/16/25 • 73:39

This live, on-location New Year's Eve party at the Veranda is a heart-warming reminder that even those with dementia know how to cut the rug and celebrate! The dialogue, the joy and the excitement are some of the best gifts these wonderful friends can share with each other. Their stories live forever. For contributions to this exceptional respit program, get on www.verandaministries.org.

1/1/25 • 19:46

You can't imagine the prep and detail it takes to pull off an amazing gala event and concert like "A Christmas To Remember" - The Veranda Ministries Benefit every year. The staff, board and volunteers were ready to roll on that December 2nd night. This episode is on location from the women's rest room, because we ALL know, some of the greatest coversations start when women get together, readying themselves before an event. Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Sue Duffield candidly and comedicly talk about the value of this extraordinary gathering of musicians, friends, family and those glorious Marketplace baskets! Remember www.verandaministries.org for your end-of-year giving, helping those with dementia and Alzheimer's.

12/4/24 • 21:00

This enjoyable and spontaneous episode tells the ages-long story of how three very different women can be blessed to share the same bond, banter and beliefs. Debra Talley, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Sue Duffield understand the meaning of significance and purpose in their mature years, but none of that happens without humor and the joy of not taking themselves seriously! The one commonality that they all have is a desire to make a difference in the dementia world.  Also shared on this episode is The Veranda's Annual "A Christmas To Remember" - a benefit concert and Marketplace, taking place at Three Oaks Church, Gallatin, TN on Monday evening, December 2nd, 2025 with doors opening at 5pm. For tickets, get on www.verandaministries.org

11/20/24 • 47:03

This ENCORE episode features host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Teepa Snow, discussing honestly about hospice and dementia. Teepa's "The Positive Approach to Care" (PAC) is by far the greatest influence for Mary Anne's vision and work-ethic, otherwise known as "The Veranda Ministries." www.verandaministries.org

10/23/24 • 25:58

This is part two continuing with the true story about a remarkable man Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly cared for, for almost two years. She briefly discussed him in episode 62, finishing the story today. Randy's sad journey and experience into a geriatric psych unit is not rare. Mary Anne has a large box of files documented with stories just like Randy's. Some geri psych units have good outcomes, but "good" has not been the Veranda's experience with their clients in some geri psych programs.  Better skills through "Relationship-Based Care" and training to combat behaviors is the right thing to do. Residents of Tennessee need to stand up for those dying of inappropriate care, especially in the field of dementia care. www.verandaministries.org

10/9/24 • 30:29

Nadine will be long remembered as a faithful volunteer and servant. She was a true friend of Veranda Ministries and a true treasure to everyone who knew her. The best part of this story is listening to Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly share her bond with Nadine as her advocate, EOLD/Dementia Doula. Relationship-based care was in full operation, and there's no doubt that we all can learn from this example of love. This episode also includes part one of Randy's story, a journey no family wants to take. His treatment in an emergency room and the care he received in a specialized unit are ones no family should have to endure.  Mary Anne's outrage over his care (and lack thereof) is the result of a disheartening and unfortunate commonplace experience of how those living with dementia are treated in some medical facilities and specialized units around the country.  PLWD deserve better care.   www.verandaministries.org

9/25/24 • 31:20

Research tells us how people think about aging, the elderly, and abuse - finds that people very quickly and unconsciously draw a line between older people and the "rest of us." This mindset isn't restricted to how we think about the elderly and the problems it creates; it contributes to a range of social issues, including racial and economic discrimination. But why does it seem more prevalent in this particular aging group we call "seniors", no matter the color of their skin? Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and producer, Sue Duffield, take the word "advocacy" to heart and to a new level. It's time for non-profits, churches and ministries to seriously examine how they treat, care and recognize the elderly in their organizations.  Also mentioned on this episode is the new video release from the Veranda Ministries, "Dementia's Hidden Heroes", available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/lemoJAp8Yos?si=oOpwXPpMhb3N7M7h The amazing story of "The Fifth Sparrow", also mentioned on this episode, is a great reminder of the value each soul has in the kingdom of God, no matter what side of the tracks you're from. Reference made at about the 15 minute mark on this church's YouTube episode: https://www.youtube.com/live/4OYIIkUV-F4?si=X8_zbRHb7ZghqYc9 www.verandaministries.org

9/5/24 • 27:10

The Veranda Ministries truly knows that every caregiver is desperate for any single sign of hope and joy regarding their loved one's dismal future of a dementia diagnosis. Telling their stories is one way to ensure a message of optimism and encouragement is paramount to everyone. For a loved one whose world is collapsing, this is the best therapy — telling the truth about the disease but loving the individual more, no matter what stage.  Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Sue Duffield share personal stories of family along with clients of Veranda Ministries. And while culturally, what isn't as frequently discussed – if at all – are the bright and deeply emotional experiences of dementia. It's a challenging disease, often destroying families. Socialization is one, if not THE most important way you can help a loved one. Many family members are fearful and not very comfortable around their family member with dementia, and as a result, tend to stop visits or even abandon them altogether. It's important to continue finding ways to help them feel loved and socially connected. It doesn't always have to be all bad.  www.verandaministries.org

8/21/24 • 31:31