There were many things Burt could still remember as Lewy progressed. Some were mangled memories. Until the last month or two, he still knew that I loved him.
Sometimes that awareness came as a reminder from me. I love you very very much. His eyes widened and he’d say “Really?” and smile in recognition.
As his illness progressed, he had to be lured to eat. Since lemon tarts, eggs and campari tomatoes pleased him, I cheered these repasts with a disproportionate zeal. Most other things became less and less engaging; he was unable to follow movie plots, no longer could organize doing laundry. He lost intetest in picking up the mail.
My memories are wandering back further to enjoy my beloved Burt when he was whole. His enthusiasms were many, varied and whole-hearted.
I revelled in his appreciation of a good lobster dinner, or a new wave meal. He truly loved ballet and all sorts of drama. We shared the pleasures of sports, sex, food, theater and television.
The Burt of those yesterdays long ago was a man of keen interests and sharp intellect.
Today, I remember Burt when we first met. He was curious, full of adventure and a natural teacher.
I miss that Burt and the more fragile guy whose eyes widened when I said I love you very very much.
Really!
this is our life 