What Is Doris Diaries?
Doris Diaries is an illustrated collection of stories created especially for older adults.
Through the life of seventy-eight-year-old Doris Kaminski, the stories explore independence, friendship, loss, changing technology, aging in place and the everyday decisions that come with growing older.
You can meet Doris in the book, follow her continuing stories on YouTube, or invite Kathleen O’Neal to bring Doris Diaries to your community.
Doris Diaries: The First Year Without Harold
Created especially with older readers in mind, Doris Diaries: The First Year Without Harold is a warmly illustrated story that can be enjoyed in one comfortable sitting. Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring Doris’s world to life as she faces experiences many of us encounter as we grow older—from adjusting to life after losing her husband, Harold and navigating changing technology to protecting our independence, accepting help, and staying connected to the people around us. Through it all, Doris reminds us that growing older doesn’t mean becoming invisible. Your voices still matter, your stories still matter, and friendship, purpose, laughter, and new possibilities can be found at every age.
Why I Created Doris Diaries
Doris Diaries grew from experiences close to my own heart—helping my ninety-year-old father remain in the home he loves and watching my mother-in-law adjust to everyday life after losing her husband of sixty years.
I realized that too few stories reflected the dignity, courage, humor and wisdom that come with growing older. Doris was created to help tell those stories.
Click the links below to view Part 1 and Part 2
A Visit with Doris is a warm, engaging presentation featuring excerpts from Doris Diaries, beautiful watercolor illustrations, and a thoughtful conversation about friendship, independence, aging, and beginning again. Creator Kathleen O’Neal also shares the personal inspiration behind the series and invites audience members to reflect, laugh, and connect through Doris’s experiences.
Based in Washington County, Maryland, Kathleen is available for local travel to senior centers, retirement communities, libraries, book clubs, churches, and community organizations. Each presentation is welcoming, interactive, and designed especially for older adults.
Book A Visit with Doris
Doris Diaries
Stories * Friendship * Hope
Home-Chapters and Booking-Meet Doris
Reach Out
Kathleen@dorisdiaries.com
© 2026 Doris Diaries A place to visit to read, share and laugh together!
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