Recalibration is part of my show The Vestibule (which is available for benefit performances and touring–please contact me.) Thanks to one of my listeners, I discovered this favorite piece never got hooked up quite right when the site went through it’s transition–so here it is in a new recording. It’s timed about right for folks sending their “little ones” off to college. What a process–Congratulations to you. It’s also In Print.
Father was one of the first Big Words I took on and I’ve been at it for almost two years on and off. It’s a big big word and it’s been a valuable contemplation. If you remember the earlier post you’ll know this has changed quite a bit.
Thank you so much for sharing your friend Miriam! I needed to hear her take on lunch as an only child…it was like reliving my parochial school days all over again…and a chance to “grow up” about something I had forgotten, yet needed to let go. What a blessing! Leah
On Peanut Butter Neglect
For most of us who sign up, Motherhood is the biggest, most wonderful, most frustrating and demanding job we ever do. It is exceptional and ordinary, divine and accursed. And you never look at your mother the same way after you’ve gone there. I’m pretty sure it’s way bigger than I yet know.
Miriam’s description of her mother’s steps into dementia are real, told in a light-hearted way which makes the underlying reality and changes over time in her mother’s cognitive abilities bearable, even funny. As a clinical associate in the field, a support group facilitator and caregiver educator I relish Miriam’s words and the pictures she paints so vividly. Cat
It’s rejuvenating to remember the common and uncommon blessings we enjoy each day. It’s expansive to offer recognition to those we embrace in our field of plenty. But we might find an even greater share of peace by offering some recognition to those who often stir our less attractive emotions. Sharing a moment of contemplation in a season ripe for it.
My mother’s decline into dementia: finding the right place.
My mother’s decline into dementia, from The Passaggio. Pills to poultry.
My mother’s decline into dementia, from The Passaggio. Memory loss, not forgetfulness.
It all seemed such an important zero-sum game. What a lot of unlearning I had to do.
