Dad and Me in Rome 1995 “A Cup of Tea on the Commode” is not just about mothers. Fathers also deserve to be treated like royalty in their Golden Years. Here’s a chapter from my memoir that helped prepare me for not only caring for my mother, but also caring for my father. Enjoy! NataleContinue reading “Fathers also Deserve to be Treated like Royalty in Their Golden Years”
Category Archives: book, memoir, caring for Mom
In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month
Di-ver-tic-u-what? —Me Two smiles before the first of three emergency surgeries In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, I post this chapter from “A Cup of Tea on the Commode” as a reminder, especially for caregivers of the male persuasion. Third Time, No Charm Once in a while life throws you a curveball. On JuneContinue reading “In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month”
Another Bite-Sized Story to Make You Feel Good
Today Patty welcomes Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native who spent 28 years in Hollywood, to discuss his bestselling, award-winning debut memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode. The book is about caring for his mother during the final three and a half years of her life after a near-death experience in 2011.Continue reading “Another Bite-Sized Story to Make You Feel Good”
What happens when life flips the script?
What happens when life flips the script—and you’re called to become the parent to your parent? In this deeply moving episode of Balance & Breakthroughs, host Wil Singleton sits down with former Hollywood actor turned author Mark Steven Porro, whose life took an unexpected turn when he became the full-time caregiver for his 90-year-old mother.Continue reading “What happens when life flips the script?”
What if some of life’s hardest seasons also hold some of its most meaningful lessons?
What if some of life’s hardest seasons also hold some of its most meaningful lessons? In Episode 159 of heCast, Mike Chisholm sits down with Mark Steven Porro for an honest, heartfelt, and unexpectedly funny conversation about caregiving, aging, family, grief, dignity, and finding joy in hard seasons. Mark Steven Porro is an award-winning designer,Continue reading “What if some of life’s hardest seasons also hold some of its most meaningful lessons?”
A Special Price for a Special Day
Mother’s Day Sale. A Special Price for a Special Day Genevieve always loved a good sale. And though she’ll miss this one, you don’t have to. In honor of all mothers this Mother’s Day, “A Cup of Tea on the Commode” eBook is just $4.99. You’ll laugh out loud. You’ll cry out loud. (Sorry forContinue reading “A Special Price for a Special Day”
Finding Moments of Joy
In honor of Mother’s Day, my hometown magazine has honored me with the cover and a feature in the May 2026 issue. We appreciate the local love. Thank you, Kris Pepper and Ridgewood & Ho-Ho-Kus Magazine. Mom’s Irish eyes are smiling. To read the full article, click here. Here’s an excerpt: When Mark Porro becameContinue reading “Finding Moments of Joy”
Now for Something Completely Different
Now for something completely different. The passing of Chuck Norris prompted another lively visit between authors Mark Steven Porro and John Daly. This is their third podcast together. The first two were a lot of fun, but let’s see if the third time is indeed the charm. In this episode, Mark discusses working with Chuck,Continue reading “Now for Something Completely Different”
Caregiving with Humor and Heart
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Steven Porro, author of “A Cup of Tea on the Commode.” We talk about his experience giving up his bachelor lifestyle to care for his mother during her final years with humor and heart . Mark shares the raw, unfiltered reality of stepping into the role of caregiverContinue reading “Caregiving with Humor and Heart”
Wishing You All a Happy Easter
Happy Easter! Or as we say here in France “Joyeuses Pâques!” #Humor #Memoir #eldercare #acupofteaonthecommode #HappyEaster #JoyeusesPâques