Author, artist chronicles grandma’s dementia in new book | News, Sports, Jobs

Wellsville Local Schools music teacher and artist Lindsay Clifton, right, did a reading and book signing of her book, “Middle Fingers of Love: The Granny Files,” at the Ursuline Motherhouse in Canfield on July 12. At left is her friend, Kelly Bancroft. (Photo by Tristan Hostetter)

CANFIELD — Dementia and comic strips may not seem like a natural pairing, but Wellsville Local Schools music teacher and artist Lindsay Clifton sees it differently.

Clifton, of Steubenville, finds peace and humor in illustrating moments with her grandmother, who is living with dementia. Her new book “Middle Fingers of Love: The Granny Files” chronicles “a series of vignettes in comic style about a granddaughter’s journey caring for her grandmother.

On July 12, Clifton shared stories and drawings from the book with friends, colleagues and guests at a reading at the Ursuline Sisters Motherhouse in Canfield.

Before Clifton shared stories and drawings from her book with the audience, Kelly Bancroft, a friend of the author, spoke.

“Lindsay’s just a really talented person. I’m really happy to see that she’s got this writing done and this illustration done, and I’m just happy that she’s here,” Bancroft said.

While the title may come off a bit rough around the edges, Clifton said, “I mean, it’s catchy, and at the same time it just sums up dementia.”

“Because you go from having a sweet little grandma fixing cookies to one who’s cussing at you, and that can affect anybody,” she added.

Her grandmother, referred to as “Gran” in the book, is 91 years old and now lives in a nursing home. Before that, Clifton helped care for her at home.

The book highlights the humor Clifton finds in caring for a loved one during a difficult time.

“And I’ve had a few different responses to the book,” Clifton said. “So, what I hope they get out of the book is that it helps them in some way.”

She added that some readers have responded with laughter and some with grief.

During the event on Saturday, there were moments of laughter scattered among the crowd as Clifton explained the stories behind a few of the drawings.

What began as Clifton posting stories, sketches and quotes from her grandmother on Facebook has turned into a book with which she hopes others can relate.

“Then once you start talking to other people, you’re like oh so many people have a loved one that they care for, or, you know, a grandma with dementia,” Clifton said.

She originally thought her experience was unique.

Clifton expressed the importance of preserving a loved one’s memory for them, even if they may not believe you.

After the reading, there were copies of the book for sale, with a live signing from the author.