I have always known that a primary part of my life's purpose is to observe and to report about what I have observed. My writing on many topics—mainly in the style of essay or creative nonfiction, and the genre of memoir—has served to fulfill this purpose.

In my early 30s, as I was consciously considering my current and future career choices, I left a workshop I had attended with the awareness that one of my purposes for being on earth was to “observe and report.”  I didn’t realize until much later that this process and purpose would be manifested by writing.

The first time someone commented on my writing I was nine.  My fourth-grade teacher had given an assignment to write a story about something important in our lives.  I chose wild horses. 

To make my story more effective, I cut out a picture of wild horses running from a comic book—clouds of dust surrounding their hooves—and pasted it on the top of the page.  My handwriting was clear, done in 1960s, Catholic-school cursive.  Although my handwriting was good, I was not considered as smart as my older sister, and I didn’t receive much praise for my school work.  That’s why the teacher’s comment on top of my Wild Horses story made an indelible impression.  I received an “E” grade (for Excellent) and she wrote: “You should write!”

Click here to read about my journey to becoming an “accidental author.”

Below is information about some of the works I have authored.

2014
Where Two Worlds Touch: A Spiritual Journey Through Alzheimer's Disease
Jade Angelica shares the wisdom and hope she gleaned from caring for her mother and from many years working closely with Alzheimer's patients and caregivers. Challenging the predominant belief that people with Alzheimer's no longer have purpose, potential, or the capacity for meaningful relationship, Where Two Worlds Touch is both a spiritual memoir and a pastoral guide for those who love someone with Alzheimer's. Readers will find here the reassuring words of a friend who has been there and can give advice on preserving connection, finding hope, self-care, and staying open to the possibility of grace.

2024
Where Two Worlds Touch: The Spirit and Science of Alzheimer’s Caregiving

A stunning 10th anniversary edition of Jade C. Angelica’s beloved memoir and pastoral guide for those who love someone with Alzheimer's. With a new foreword by acclaimed researcher and bestselling author Dr. Stephen G. Post.

In 2001, Jade C. Angelica's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and thus began a surprising and transformative journey for both mother and daughter. From the early stages of the disease until her mother died, Angelica was dedicated to her mother's care. In that time she learned about grief, relationship, the nature of selfhood, and the unexpected blessings of Alzheimer's disease. She also found a purpose and embarked on her life's work—to teach that people with Alzheimer's can have meaningful lives, relationships, joy, and growth. Where Two Worlds Touch is both a memoir and a pastoral guide for those who love someone with Alzheimer's. It offers heartfelt wisdom on preserving connection, self-care, and staying open to the possibility of grace.

In this updated 10th anniversary edition of her beloved book, Angelica adds more learnings from her years in Alzheimer’s ministry and important discoveries from the world of science.

She draws on interfaith theological and spiritual resources, historical information, medical research, social context, and practical know-how from professional and family caregivers, as well as her own life’s story to provide a life-changing resource for those who need its gifts.