I did not prepare an obituary for Burt. Not even for the May 3rd memorial celebration of life. Who he was is laid out in the pages of this blog, even though you’re meeting him during his journey in illness. I have sprinkled memories from the before among my posts. Some of you knew himContinue reading “Burt’s life”
Category Archives: #gratitude
Artifacts
Recently when R and I were reminiscing about Burt, she said that when she started working with him, he always sat in front of the TV, planning shows for us to watch. He had been doing something like this for a long time. Before Lewy, he picked out our evening’s entertainment from the FIOS guideContinue reading “Artifacts”
Some stories
Burt’s journey has ended. My journey continues without him. Or perhaps by dint of remembrance, with him, just kind of looking out for me. Like he always did. Part of my portmanteau now is recording what was. Both the orts and the epic. I know my friends expected me to tell tales of Burt at theContinue reading “Some stories”
Loving Burt
What gives you direction in life? My life changed the day I met him, and his love and care for me and the opportunity to care for him gave me direction these 35 years. It has been a lovely journey, bumps and all.
My afternoon
Years ago, I told a diner next to me, I was a member at Cooper – Hewitt. I dragged my husband to the parties they threw here on the grounds. He nodded and said “Janet drags me.” We agreed that he liked it. I said I dragged the poor fellow to the Merchant’s House onContinue reading “My afternoon”
My memories
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. AsContinue reading “My memories”
It went so fast
In a rambling dinner conversation, Burt’s favorite aide [and mine] and I inevitably spoke of him. His idiosyncracies over the rules of laundry and eager attendance to the mailbox were still part of daily living when she began. Only toward the end, in the last few months, did Burt think I was just never here. MyContinue reading “It went so fast”
Planning
Have I told you that my party plans for May 3rd have proven to be healing? The choice of venue is close and that pleases me. On my way home from a site visit, I said, smiling and speaking to myself alone Burt will be so surprised. Preparing to throw a celebration of his life isContinue reading “Planning”
Community
My friend and neighbor D was one of those who watched over us. Another neighbor has been urging me to get a dog. She thinks a small dog would be best. She, as people do, really loves her dog. Burt had been fearful around dogs, and I think she took it a little personally whenContinue reading “Community”
Esplanade
D and I made plans to take a walk today. The weather’s been mild. Maybe we’ll cross the bridge that goes over the FDR to the Riverwalk. Burt and I used to walk there all the time. I mean, before he got sick, too. For a while, when he was still walking, we would goContinue reading “Esplanade”
this is our life 