There is always one more worry. I know you’re shaking your head “just one?” Despite the comical appearance, these are meant to protect the skin on the heels. In fact, since he’s been bedbound, I have been put on red alert. The skin is susceptible to breaking down. Bed sores are a real and unpleasantContinue reading “Serious”
Author Archives: TheRealTamara
Redundant
My takeaway from the discussion was that the brain protects itself by holding redundancies. Well, that was one of the points I gleaned from Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk with Daniel Levitan (and Chuck Knight) on music as our first language. Why redundancy? It would be a way for the brain to keep and store informationContinue reading “Redundant”
Amazing
In Down down up, I made the case that there was no denying Burt’s impairments. He’s no longer tethered to his Wall Street past, except for his frequent talk of money and time. He doesn’t see the companion of his journey by his side but lives with lots of imagined company. (Let me clarify, althoughContinue reading “Amazing”
Down down up
When I speak of Burt’s return or of an upswing, I am grading on a curve. After his recent declines, he has not achieved clarity, coherence, or cognitive functioning. He tells me of imagined trips where he met people with wonderfully unlikely names. He insists I bring Tamara to him when I say, “I’m yourContinue reading “Down down up”
Practical concerns
As Burt retreated into his bed, his OT raised concerns over pressure sores. She was not being alarmist, I only wish she was. The skin is our largest organ, and it is susceptible to wounds and tears. Burt has developed several areas that need lots of special attention. We use a number of ointments andContinue reading “Practical concerns”
A timeline
Burt had a sudden downturn starting in October. Although I have documented Burt’s decline, I am still unsure of the actual events. His decline has been incremental and gradual. It has also come on suddenly, precipitously and unexpectedly. In October, things like confusion and hallucinations seemed more noticeable. Soon thereafter, one of his aides andContinue reading “A timeline”
Xtra xtra read all about it
Today, after resisting when our weekend guy put him in a sitting position, Burt settled into it. He relaxed and held himself up. This was unusual for him as he generally sinks back. Not unexpectedly, he started talking. His narrative ran into unfamiliar territory as he started discussing getting up. We perked up. His aideContinue reading “Xtra xtra read all about it”
Safe and secure
When are you most happy? When Burt shows delight, as he chortles, happily laughing at his own jokes, I am happy. My job 1 is keeping him at home, safe, secure, and comfortable. If he’s enjoying himself, it makes that job so much easier. Admittedly, my frustration trying to get his head back on the pillowContinue reading “Safe and secure”
The sign
It’s been at least two years since I first met this sign on a stretch of East End Avenue. I took it both at face value and as an indicator. Life, our life, had definitely hit a patch of the rough. In our case, we had not had or did not heed or were notContinue reading “The sign”
Every little thing
Who said «The unexamined life isNot worth living,« I have taken thatTo heart, instilled it with a power soI examine every thing as it happensAs if by tearing at it, I will find a gemOf wisdom, learn a life lesson evenIf it’s from myself alone for myselfAlone. «Lest I forget« is a phrase I StickContinue reading “Every little thing”
this is our life 