![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/can-author4.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Wellsville Local Schools music teacher and artist Lindsay Clifton, right, did a reading and book signing of her book, \u201cMiddle Fingers of Love: The Granny Files,\u201d at the Ursuline Motherhouse in Canfield on July 12. At left is her friend, Kelly Bancroft. (Photo by Tristan Hostetter)<\/p>\n
CANFIELD \u2014 Dementia and comic strips may not seem like a natural pairing, but Wellsville Local Schools music teacher and artist Lindsay Clifton sees it differently.<\/p>\n
Clifton, of Steubenville, finds peace and humor in illustrating moments with her grandmother, who is living with dementia. Her new book \u201cMiddle Fingers of Love: The Granny Files\u201d chronicles \u201ca series of vignettes in comic style about a granddaughter\u2019s journey caring for her grandmother.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Before Clifton shared stories and drawings from her book with the audience, Kelly Bancroft, a friend of the author, spoke.<\/p>\n
\u201cLindsay\u2019s just a really talented person. I\u2019m really happy to see that she\u2019s got this writing done and this illustration done, and I\u2019m just happy that she\u2019s here,\u201d Bancroft said.<\/p>\n
While the title may come off a bit rough around the edges, Clifton said, \u201cI mean, it\u2019s catchy, and at the same time it just sums up dementia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you go from having a sweet little grandma fixing cookies to one who\u2019s cussing at you, and that can affect anybody,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Her grandmother, referred to as \u201cGran\u201d in the book, is 91 years old and now lives in a nursing home. Before that, Clifton helped care for her at home.<\/p>\n
The book highlights the humor Clifton finds in caring for a loved one during a difficult time.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I\u2019ve had a few different responses to the book,\u201d Clifton said. \u201cSo, what I hope they get out of the book is that it helps them in some way.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added that some readers have responded with laughter and some with grief.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen once you start talking to other people, you\u2019re like oh so many people have a loved one that they care for, or, you know, a grandma with dementia,\u201d Clifton said.<\/p>\n
She originally thought her experience was unique.<\/p>\n
Clifton expressed the importance of preserving a loved one\u2019s memory for them, even if they may not believe you.<\/p>\n
After the reading, there were copies of the book for sale, with a live signing from the author.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n EAST LIVERPOOL \u2014 The East Liverpool City Council Finance Committee met in a special meeting on Thursday to …<\/p>\n <\/p>\n NEW CUMBERLAND \u2013 Head principals employed by Hancock County Schools are now able to serve as coaches following …<\/p>\n <\/p>\n SALINEVILLE \u2014 Some may note that the love that Southern Local Schools Superintendent Tom Cunningham has for his …<\/p>\n <\/p>\n EAST PALESTINE \u2014 Norfolk Southern\u2019s decision to vent and burn five tank cars of vinyl chloride following the …<\/p>\n