17 Comments
User's avatar
Wendy Varley's avatar

Great essay and sentiments, Rob. I love what you say about approaching people as an open question.

Interestingly, my mother-in-law, who is in a UK nursing home with dementia, knows exactly who has been elected in the US, and is aghast! Her memory for some things is undiminished!

Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that about your mother-in-law, Wendy. That must be hard for you all. Both of my parents had dementia, so I know it's a lot to go through.

You're so right, it's amazing the way people with dementia can suddenly seem lucid about such particular things. Luckily, my dad's dementia had him less interested in Fox News, more interested in home renovation shows. It made our visits more pleasant, for sure.

Thanks, as always, for reading, and for the lovely, thoughtful comment.

Caz Hart's avatar

No idea how I got here.

That was lovely.

Rob Tourtelot's avatar

I have no idea, either, but I'm sure glad you found your way here. Thanks so much, Caz.

Abigail A Mlinar Burns's avatar

Gosh, Rob, you're good at what you do (the writing and the caring). This is beautiful.

Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you, Abigail! This is lovely to hear.

Margaret Bennett's avatar

This is such a great piece of writing saying so much with brevity and compassion. It’s also fascinating. Thanks Rob.

Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you, Margaret. So glad to see you here. I appreciate the read, and the lovely comment.

Rick Lewis's avatar

"I’d much rather hear your side of the story than make up my own story about you." This is vast emptiness and nothing holy in action. The mood you create in your writing is always like a meditation Rob. I appreciate you and how you are in the world my friend.

Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you so much, my friend. The appreciation is mutual!

Alex Michael's avatar

Excellent, my friend. And essential.

Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thanks so much, Alex.

Libby Fosters's avatar

“What is it like that be you right now” — such an essential question in healthcare that is often not asked with sincerity.

Ron's avatar

Another beautiful essay, thank you for sharing with us Rob. Thanks for your time yesterday.

Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thank you, my friend.

Anna Schott's avatar

I always love your essays, and they're helpful too, which is nice

Rob Tourtelot's avatar

Thanks so much, Anna!