There is no rewind. Reconnections?
Author Archives: TheRealTamara
Dr. Google
He’s probably famously the most frequently addressed “medical” consultant. There are lots of caveat emptors that go with his cred. Dr. Google doesn’t know your family history. Doesn’t even know you. May not be familiar with all the possible causes that led to your current plight. All that is to say, I am not referringContinue reading “Dr. Google”
Symptoms?
It’s sometimes referred to as LBD, sometimes DLB, depending on the genesis of the disease. It can progress in differing ways. It can begin as Parkinson’s. It may not and some patients only show the symptoms of tremors and shuffling later. Burt had very little of this. He had hallucinations, severe but not scary, inContinue reading “Symptoms?”
It is what it is
Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently? Do you dislike that tagline, the one in my header, as much as I do? My dislike for it is tinged with the understanding that it’s kind of, sort of accurate. Regrets are useless. And they inflictContinue reading “It is what it is”
One spring day with Burt
Loneliness
Loneliness is not just about being alone. I am lonely, not because I lack for company and friends, but because I miss Burt’s company. I love my friends. I am grateful to have them with me. I am fortunate to have them in my life. I enjoy our conversations, our outings, the time we share.Continue reading “Loneliness”
Support. Volunteer.
The idea that I might want to stick around with dementia caregivers after the traumas of my journey with Burt seemed unlikely. I have mentioned this before. I admired and appreciated all those I met on my journey who were supporting others after their journey had ended. I just did not expect to be oneContinue reading “Support. Volunteer.”
“The way you wear your hat…”
My photo portfolio is full of all those shots I took of Burt.* Some picture of Burt is bound to come to the screen every day. This is the one that gave me my smile yesterday.∆ * As I pointed the camera at him, Burt would say something like you really love me; you’re alwaysContinue reading ““The way you wear your hat…””
Weekly call
Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you. Burt’s daughter would call him every week. In the last year or so, when LBD distracted him from the conversation, he still smiled at the attention. She and I would then catch up. Since he’s passed, she calls me every weekend and we catchContinue reading “Weekly call”
Missing, miss, missed
Missing Burt since he died a little over a year ago in many ways is not so different from how I felt his absence during his illness. He is not here and that is obvious in our empty house. It is obvious when I walk in the door or into the other room. I missContinue reading “Missing, miss, missed”
this is our life 