The Story Behind Traveling Our Road

Watch the Trailer Below

Traveling Our Road is a story inspired by my husband’s fifteen-year journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and our family’s experiences as caregivers. Originally written to help children feel less afraid when visiting a loved one with dementia, it has also become a valuable conversation starter for adult caregivers and support groups.

Many people know me as Gail Neustadt, but as a writer, I use the pen name Dylan Weiss. What some may not know is that my writing journey grew directly from my experiences as a caregiver for my husband, Dave, who lived with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for more than fifteen years.

When Dave was diagnosed in 1996 at the age of 54, our family began a journey we never expected to travel. During those years, I was not only his wife and primary caregiver, but also a geriatric speech-language therapist specializing in communication programs for individuals with cognitive impairment.

One of the first abilities Dave lost was speech. As his disease progressed, I searched for ways to help him remain connected to the people he loved.

Several years later, our two-and-a-half-year-old grandson Joey became frightened by the changes he saw in his grandfather. Dave could no longer speak, his facial expression had become limited, and his movements were sometimes unpredictable. Joey simply looked at him and said, “Too scary.”

Determined to help Joey understand, I created a simple picture book using old photographs of Dave engaged in activities he once loved. Through that story, Joey began to see the grandfather behind the disease. Little by little, his fear disappeared.

That private family project eventually inspired professional articles, conference presentations, and, unexpectedly, a series of children’s books featuring animal characters known as the Skunk Tales Trilogy. Those stories brought humor back into my life during one of its most difficult chapters and reminded me that laughter can be a powerful form of healing.

Years later, I returned to the original concept behind that first family picture book and reimagined it using characters from the trilogy. The result was Traveling Our Road.

Although the book was originally created to help children feel less anxious when visiting a loved one with dementia, I later discovered that it also resonated deeply with adult caregivers and support groups. The “road” in the story became a symbol of the journey traveled by both caregiver and loved one, a journey marked by love, loss, resilience, and enduring connection.

Today, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and millions of family members provide care and support. While every family’s journey is different, the emotions they experience are often remarkably similar.

Traveling Our Road is ultimately a story about connection, understanding, and hope. It is a reminder that although illness may change a person’s abilities, it does not erase the life they have lived, the relationships they have built, or the love they continue to share.

I invite you to watch the trailer and explore the resources available on this website. Whether you are a caregiver, family member, educator, healthcare professional, or simply someone whose life has been touched by dementia, I hope this story sparks conversation, reflection, and perhaps a little healing along the way.

— Gail Neustadt (Dylan Weiss)
Author of Traveling Our Road

How Traveling Our Road Is Being Used

Although Traveling Our Road was originally written for children and families, I have discovered that it also resonates with adult audiences. The book has been used to stimulate discussion in caregiver support groups, dementia education programs, intergenerational activities, and community presentations.

Through the story’s symbolism, participants often find opportunities to discuss caregiving, grief, resilience, communication, and the enduring bonds between loved ones.

Resources

• Hardcover Book
• Animated Version
• Discussion Guide
• Coloring Pages and Activities
• Speaking Engagements

For children. For families. For caregivers. For anyone traveling the road of dementia.