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 care in 2011. The 54-year-old single man had pursued an "adventurous" career path since graduating from Ridgewood High School in 1975 and Ohio State University in 1980 with a degree in industrial design: Hollywood actor, snack business entrepreneur, and helping with his sister's Michigan design firm.

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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 hopping off. Still, chances were, momentum slammed me ass-first onto the sidewalk.

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 Dad would say, "The Golden Years, the ham with them!"

Yes, I lied to one of my heroes, but I didn’t lie to get the job.  I enjoyed many highlights in Hollywood. My first and second came when filming an episode of Hill Street Blues, my first television role. Booking that role alone was a highlight, as my goal in coming to Hollywood was to get on that show. And less than two years later, voilà.

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 publishing industry.

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 with elder care, emphasizing the importance of humor and empathy.

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 sound comforts me. Then a strange force compels me to look out her bedroom window.

As we approach the eleventh anniversary of my mother's passing, the spitting image of her appeared in my little village in the South of France. And she was, of course, shopping, just like Mom. Small worlds. Some images of the real Genevieve can be found here. And you can get your multi-award-winning A Cup of Tea on the Commode here. #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode #smallworlds

Mark walks us through taking care of his mother in her last days, the slow death he grieved along the way, and his humor he brought to the story. Mark's book, "A Cup of Tea on the Commode," has won 16 awards (and counting!) and shows the real and raw moments of caregiving while working with his siblings' strengths and boundaries. You can find Mark's book ⁠here⁠ and find him ton his website ⁠here. #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode #beentheredunnthat #AngelaDunn-Cartledge

This episode is equal parts heart, humor, and hope. Mark Steven Porro shares with host Shawn Perry the hilariously honest story of caring for his mom in "A Cup of Tea on the Commode." Click here to listen. #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode #seniorzone @shawnperry

What happens when an actor, designer, and entrepreneur becomes a devoted caregiver to his aging mother? In this inspiring episode, Kim Sorrelle sits down with Mark Steven Porro, author of A Cup of Tea on the Commode, to share the extraordinary, often hilarious, and deeply touching story of how he turned his mother’s final years into a time of dignity, laughter, and love. #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode #kimsorrelleloveispodcast

Yes, that's right. You can now get your Cup of Tea for an even sweeter price. This multi-award-winning memoir is just $5.99 on Amazon. To get yours now, click here. For more information, click here. #Humor #Memoir #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode #amazon

When Mark Steven Porro picked up the phone one day in Los Angeles, he didn’t know it would change everything. His 89-year-old mother was on her deathbed. Or so they thought. What followed wasn’t just a surprise recovery. It was a complete role reversal. Mark left behind his fast-paced creative life and moved home to New Jersey, stepping into a role he never rehearsed: full-time caregiver.

In this heartfelt conversation, Mark Steven Porro shares his journey of caring for his mother during her final years, as chronicled in his memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode. He discusses the challenges and joys of caregiving, the importance of humor, and the profound lessons learned about unconditional love and dignity in aging. Through anecdotes, including a touching pumpkin pie moment and a special 'Day of Beauty' for his mother, Mark illustrates the deep bond they shared and the impact of his experiences on his life. To listen, click here. #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode #beautifullybuiltpodcast

What happens when a Hollywood creative trades scripts and dreams for caregiving and diapers? In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Salty Ginger Talk, we sit down with Mark Steven Porro, the award-winning author of the Amazon best-selling memoir A Cup of Tea on the Commode to explore what happens when a son becomes a full-time caregiver for his 90-year-old mother.

Welcome to The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel Zohfeld — where honest conversations inspire transformation! In this heartwarming episode, Rosabel sits down with Mark Steven Porro—award-winning designer, director, and bestselling author of the memoir A Cup of Tea on the Commode. Mark shares his unforgettable journey of becoming a 24/7 caregiver for his 89-year-old mother, who miraculously recovered from her deathbed.

Apparently there was some money left over from the Bezos/Sanchez wedding, so Amazon decided to lower the price of A Cup of Tea on the Commode just in time for summer. Add this multi-award-winning memoir to your summer reading list for just $6.74. To get yours now, click here. For more information, click here. #Humor #Memoir #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode #amazon

I’m excited to share that I recently joined Amy Stone on her fantastic podcast, "The Art of Imperfect Adulting," for an open and heartfull conversation about my caregiving journey with my mom. This was more than just a chat—it was a chance to revisit the adventure, the challenges, and the humor that shaped those years and inspired my book,

When Hollywood meets humanity, powerful stories emerge. That’s what happens in Caregiving, a new PBS documentary that pushes back the curtain on one of America’s most underrecognized — and essential — roles: family caregivers. From Brooklyn to Boca Raton, Florida, caregivers take center stage in this documentary streaming on PBS.org starting May 27, with a broadcast premiere on June 24.

Life is challenging, no doubt about that. Stress may keep you anxious and with time, it can take its toll on you. Many can struggle when dealing with these uncertainties, and it can be hard to have someone encouraging you and help you keep moving forward. My many inspiring guests and their stories will uplift you, bring back the love for life and provide you with key insights on how to manage your difficult challenges.

There's no better way to honor thy father than to treat him like royalty in his golden years. Happy Father's Day to all fathers here and beyond. #Humor #Memoir #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode #fathersday

In this episode of "For Love of Memoir," I sit down with Mark Porro, author of A Cup of Tea on the Commode, to talk about the hilarity and heartbreak of caregiving, the power of storytelling, and what it means to show up when it matters most. Mark brings wit, warmth, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation—you won’t want to miss it #Humor #Memoir #eldercare #agingparents #acupofteaonthecommode  #4LoveofMemoir

A podcast that features interviews with the world's leading health design experts including clinicians, designers, patients, authors and researchers. Mark shares his story of love and devotion chronicled in "A Cup of Tea on the Commode" along with a surprise revelation with host Moyez Jiwa. Click here to listen. #Humor #Memoir #eldercare #acupofteaonthecommode #thehealthdesignpodcast

How do we stay sane, survive, and thrive in today’s world? On the Truth Tastes Funny podcast, writer/comedian Hersh Rephun explores the absurdity of life’s challenges, while engaging with experts who’ve dedicated themselves to finding serious solutions. Join us as Mark Steven Porro shares A Cup of Tea on the Commode with Hersh. #Humor #Memoir #eldercare #acupofteaonthecommode #truthtastesfunny