CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN WE THE SPECIES with host CALVIN SCHWARTZ Meet MARK STEVEN PORRO: “Thinking about what to write after my interview with Mark. One word popped. Sonnet. Let me count the ways Mark Steven Porro amazed. A life beyond. A devoted son who became caretaker of his 89-year-old mother. Yes, the word ‘Commode’ isContinue reading “A Conversation with Calvin”
Tag Archives: Eldercare
A Halloween Treat
Happy Halloween. As a low-calorie treat, here’s a chapter from “A Cup of Tea on the Commode.” Enjoy! Halloween, both a strange and wonderful tradition, conjures up mostly fond memories for me. Strange because the night before—Cabbage Night to us in New Jersey, Mischief Night to others—we smashed pumpkins, toilet-papered trees, shave-creamed front doors, andContinue reading “A Halloween Treat”
Every Now and Then We Do Enjoy a Good Crow
I’ve always preferred even numbers, and especially when they’re in double digits. As we cruise toward November, we received this delightful email announcing our 18th literary award for A Cup of Tea on the Commode. Certainly something to crow about. “We are pleased to announce that our judges of the 2025 PenCraft Book Awards forContinue reading “Every Now and Then We Do Enjoy a Good Crow”
What happens when life throws you the ultimate curveball?
What happens when life throws you the ultimate curveball — going from Hollywood auditions and bachelor life in L.A. to caregiving for your mom back in New Jersey? Our guest this week, Mark Steven Porro, not only lived it, he wrote an award-winning book about it “A Cup of Tea on the Commode.” Mark joinsContinue reading “What happens when life throws you the ultimate curveball?”
How do you cope when the mother and child roles get reversed?
This article first appeared in “The Ridgewood News” and “The Record” In his book, “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” Ridgewood native Mark Porro recounts his 3½ years of caring for his 89-year-old mother, Genevieve, at her village home. Porro was the least likely of Genevieve’s six children to assume charge of her careContinue reading “How do you cope when the mother and child roles get reversed?”
Why Are You Doing This?
I never believed in angels, but for some reason they believed in me, and I’m truly thankful for it. They kept watch over me during the many crazy, death-defying stunts I indulged in as a kid. I hopped on freight and passenger trains, and—only after learning the hard way—made sure to hit the ground running when hoppingContinue reading “Why Are You Doing This?”
Still Not Alone in Our Middle Age Mess
Take 50+ years of life, add thousands of traumatic experiences, sprinkle in a touch of arrogance and what do you get? A Middle Age Mess, where noted author/curmudgeon Dan Indante walks you through everything you need to know to stumble, bumble and fail your way through your Not So Golden Years. Or as my DadContinue reading “Still Not Alone in Our Middle Age Mess”
We’re Golden, and Global
Just when we thought awards season was over, we received this announcement. Not only are we golden, but we’re global. “Congratulations! Your book A Cup of Tea on the Commode has been awarded the GOLD medal in the category Parenting & Relationships – Aging at the Global Book Awards.” The Global Book Awards recognizes author with global appeal in the publishingContinue reading “We’re Golden, and Global”
Heartfelt Journey with Humor and Love
In this episode of The On Purpose Podcast, host Jerrod Hardy welcomes guest Mark Steven Porro, author of “A Cup of Tea on the Commode.” Mark shares his deeply personal and unexpectedly humorous experiences as a caregiver for his aging mother. Through candid storytelling, he reveals the emotional challenges and delightful moments that come withContinue reading “Heartfelt Journey with Humor and Love”
Genevieve’s Vision
Today, in honor of the anniversary of Genevieve’s journey to Heaven, here’s the final chapter of “A Cup of Tea on the Commode.” I stand frozen in that surreal moment, staring at Mom. The pulsating air mattress continues to breathe, keeping her lifeless body afloat. I should turn it off, but I don’t. The soundContinue reading “Genevieve’s Vision”