Self-care includes cutting yourself some slack. Kindness to your loved one, to others, and to yourself will make the journey easier. It is thanks to Burt that I have so many friends among my neighbors. I mentioned my inability to open my window a few days ago. Today, my friend offered to help with thatContinue reading “Things to learn along the way”
Author Archives: TheRealTamara
From February 26, 2025, Subject: Burt
It feels odd sharing news of Burt’s death in an email or text. It feels odd having that news to share.He lived large and well right up to his last few days. Even during 4 years with dementia he found some connection with people, and pleasure in making that connection. His world shrank dramatically inContinue reading “From February 26, 2025, Subject: Burt”
PickingUp Tickets
Standing by the box office, I realize that this was Burt’s natural habit. He was always, we were always at the box office. Burt, as I no doubt mentioned, loved getting tickets. Seeing an older couple approach the booth, I find myself teary eyed. That was us. Seeing them go to talk to the ticketContinue reading “PickingUp Tickets”
That village [re-blogged]
It takes a village. Hillary Clinton on bringing up children but applies as well to how society runs Good neighbors. They have provided continuing support for me. My personal cavalry when, one day, Burt was so agitated about going out to the street that he rammed his walker against a wall. Down he went. AContinue reading “That village [re-blogged]”
Another trove of pix (repost)
Another trove of pix Photo memories. They mean a lot to me.
Self-knowledge
Which relationship has taught you the most about yourself? One should learn as a child, but the parent-child relationship is far and away not conducive to this kind of self-reflection. We are not ready. We are not yet equipped to absorb who we are. Mind you, my parents were around into my adulthood. I lostContinue reading “Self-knowledge”
Advocacy (redux)
A provider is giving me a hard time over my healthcare proxy. They’ve refused to discuss Burt’s plan of care until they vet my proxy. This morning, while mulling my frustration, I thought oh come on. I have the marriage certificate.* That should be proof enough. [*Side note: a beautiful copy of this docunent arrivedContinue reading “Advocacy (redux)”
Over troubling waters
via Photo Challenge: Bridge My local bridge always smelled of white bread baking when I was growing up and we came over it from Queens. In those days, it was just the 59th Street Bridge, now it’s named in honor of one of the city’s recent mayors, Ed Koch. The bakery on the Queens sideContinue reading “Over troubling waters”
Burt’s watch
No aide [a day on the journey]
I take my respite seriously. I’ll admit sometimes too seriously. Time away from the unusual thinking fostered by LBD is my golden ticket to staying sane. Or so I fervently believe. I take that time each weekday. On the weekends, we have help so I can have less hands on with the care. All ofContinue reading “No aide [a day on the journey]”
