We have Emily Dickenson to thank for the wonderful image that gives hope all this lightness. We can always use some feathers whether we are caregiving or not. It was definitely a better choice when I returned Burt to his morning meds first thing. He has, in consequence, returned to some measure of sharpness. TheContinue reading “Proper (med) regimen”
Author Archives: therealtamara
After his fall
Burt is a recoverer by nature and determination. It’s 11 days since he bruised his knee, and here he is getting approved to go out walking again. Not only that, he’s not screaming in pain over it. In fact, he’s blaming the other leg. How’s he doing? Doing well.
Lewy lou-ie
I can do nothing to make Burt know who I am. I feel like I should be able to force the issue somehow. It is heedless and needless to allow his who-are-you’s to distress me. It’s the disease. Our weekly outings are very exhausting. In the evening, when we get home, he has to askContinue reading “Lewy lou-ie”
Our outing collage
The great outdoors
Still a puzzle. All week, he’s talking about loving it outside. It’s a gorgeous, warm, agreeable day, but Burt is not. Agreeable, that is. We’ve discussed his fear that we won’t find our way home both privately and with his “driver,” the weekend aide. On this occasion, he recognizes that I am with him. SoContinue reading “The great outdoors”
One big thing
It’s a small thing that’s true, but just a few weeks ago, it was an all-consuming (pun intended) huge thing. The food fight at the Beck house has subsided. That my friends is one BIG thing. It’s not just that Burt’s asking for food, but he eats avocado and yogurt. Yogurt! I even gave himContinue reading “One big thing”
My poet
This is what I needed to move from the darkness I have been feeling. [To wit, a poem called Seeking Joy, which hardly hit its mark.] It was a contribution by my love, my p.w.d. Burt said something that was very uncharacteristic. He told me, “You’re talking to a poet.” I said, “You are theContinue reading “My poet”
Weighing the options
Let’s get practical about what is involved in care for your p.w.d. I advocate getting an aide early on when perhaps all your dearest needs is companion care. This is for you, the spouse or family caregiver. You definitely need the time while s/he is with someone. The expenses are astronomical. I know not everyoneContinue reading “Weighing the options”
Time is not the only
A poem So much has gone missingAs I mourn your losses andThe loss of you, the loss of Your thoughts, recollections,The loss of who you were orHow you form ideas, come To conclusions. All the lossThat is clear, and all that isAmbiguous, waiting in theWings for the big finale I amSure will tear my heartContinue reading “Time is not the only”
Poems of time and remembrance
He told me all his stories, so That when this day came, I’d Be the one who remembered. Love song: if I remember you Is it lost if we mourn it Mourning When he lost the wisdom of his age What feels like the loss That he’s broken and breaking [Like] Lear on the moorContinue reading “Poems of time and remembrance”
this is our life 