In this episode, Bill Leighty tells the story of Mary Jo Rose — a lifelong friend, a former flight attendant, a woman who built a sanctuary for troubled teenagers in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For nearly two decades, Bill and his wife Bonnie watched small, strange habits emerge in Mary Jo and explained them away as quirks. It took years to understand they were witnessing the early signs of dementia — and that they had been grieving her, in pieces, long before she died. The Editorial Team at The Encore Project believes this is one of the most important and tender conversations we’ve shared.
Insight Map
This episode explores anticipatory grief — the mourning that begins long before a death occurs, often disguised as confusion, denial, or simply not having the right words for what’s happening. The Editorial Team at The Encore Project invites you to listen, and to consider whether someone in your own life might be showing signs you’ve quietly explained away. Visit theencoreproject.org to read the full article and share your own experience in the comments.
