The May 31, 2025, episode of the podcast For the Love of Memoir, featuring Mark Steven Porro, author of A Cup of Tea on the Commode, offered a profound and necessary conversation about caregiving.
From the moment the host introduced the book’s hilarious and relatable title, the stage was set for an episode that delivered warmth, wit, and deep authenticity. Porro openly shared the reality of caring for his mother in her 90s, including moments of profound difficulty. He detailed how he navigated his mother no longer recognizing his name, choosing grace and compassion over frustration—a powerful reminder that caregiving, while challenging, is defined by love.
What truly resonated was the joy they discovered together: renovating their home, laughing often, and finding humor even in hardship. As Mark wisely noted, “When you add love—and a little humor—to caregiving, it becomes not only bearable but sometimes even beautiful.”
This episode inspired me, the author of the memoir The Invisible Child, to share my own story. Like Mark’s, my book is about resilience and the invisible emotional labor in caregiving, but from a different perspective: children with a disabled parent. My memoir explores the unique courage of these young caregivers—the “little hands, big responsibilities” they often shoulder.
Stories like ours are vital because they shine a light on the hidden emotional labor of caregiving, showing how we can transform trauma into narrative, and resilience into art. They prove that finding personal growth and honest reflection is possible, even when writing about difficult truths. I hope to join this important conversation to discuss topics like:
- Children living with and caring for a parent with a disability.
- The hidden world of young caregivers.
- How to write honestly about pain while maintaining emotional distance.
- Transforming trauma into narrative art.
These stories uplift and inspire us by proving that love, humor, and resilience are the most essential parts of the human experience.
Final Optimized Call to Action
Join The Invisible Child Virtual Book Tour Kick-Off!
I’m excited to personally invite you to the Kick-Off Event of The Invisible Child Virtual Book Tour — a story of resilience, hope, and the power to rise again.
This deeply personal journey shines a light on strength in the face of adversity and the unbreakable bond of love. I believe this story will inspire, move, and remind us all that our voices matter.
Get Your Copy Now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1720139997[
Kick-Off Event Details:
- Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM PST/ EST 8 PM (Check your local time zone!)
- RSVP (Required): Click here: Eventbrite link: Eventbrite Registration Link
How to Join (FreeConferenceCall):
- Dial-in number: (667) 770-1303
- Access code: 6601105
- Join Online: https://www.freeconferencecallhd.com/profile
Please log in or call in a few minutes early to settle in. If you can’t make the live time, register anyway to receive the replay link!
I can’t wait to share this powerful journey with you.
— Coach Diane
P.S. Ready to start reading? Click here: Get Your Copy Now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1720139997
Writer Works Coaching 