Thank YOU, Ollie. The tempo; switches of text and perspectives illustrate the multitude of emotional pivots any caregiver goes through, but especially underscored by the repetitive questioning that plagues dementia.
Thank you for sharing the intimacy of your everyday.
I am saving the 'I was more of a Zero Calories Daddy than a Sugar Daddy.'🤣
Thanks for reading, Anne. Completely agree with you! Sometimes I get away for a few days, staying with a friend in São Paulo who lives by a busy overpass. Everyone there complains about its noise... I sleep like a baby!
Hey Ollie, it’s hard not to reply to this piece with something that risks sounding glib, or - even worse - patronising.
I thought this was written so clearly and with a kind of breathtaking honesty; so it has an unusual quality of being a great piece of writing, and a statement of yourself from the various different angles of your life.
I hope you found it rewarding to write, and to re-read, and that the ability to write continues to support you.
Thank you Nicolas for the comment and for reading. Yes, you are right, I did feel all those things, and it's been rewarding to have people respond to it. I definitely feel encouraged to keep writing, and to continue being open to my experience in the hope of translating it into something that can touch others.
Beautifully written, Ollie. I recognized so many phrases that my mom says. She isn't technically diagnosed with dementia but I see the changes in her. I continue to balance care for her (along with my siblings) and continuing to care for me, grow my career, and be with my family.
I'm sorry for your friend, Chris. Your words hit home, as I figure out how to be a carer and not lose me.
Thank you for your kind words Janine, and for connecting with me here. I feel your virtual hug and send one back to you and your family as you begin your journey with your mom. If you ever wish to chat, share anything, or ask anything, please feel free to get in touch.
Thank you for reading Jodi! And for connecting with me here. I just had a look at your Substack... I wish I had had all the info you posted there at the start of my journey! It's very comprehensive. And I love your sense of humor.
Thank YOU, Ollie. The tempo; switches of text and perspectives illustrate the multitude of emotional pivots any caregiver goes through, but especially underscored by the repetitive questioning that plagues dementia.
Thank you for sharing the intimacy of your everyday.
I am saving the 'I was more of a Zero Calories Daddy than a Sugar Daddy.'🤣
Many thanks for reading and encouraging me, Victoria. I hope other carers out there will be in touch with you and also share their stories.
Ohhh, thanks, Ollie, it was my pleasure, although I didn't do much! This was all your wonderful work! xo
Thank you for sharing this. I often think that care givers need their care giver!
Thanks for reading, Anne. Completely agree with you! Sometimes I get away for a few days, staying with a friend in São Paulo who lives by a busy overpass. Everyone there complains about its noise... I sleep like a baby!
Beautiful account, Ollie - thank you for sharing it.
Many thanks for reading, Mr Troy.
Hey Ollie, it’s hard not to reply to this piece with something that risks sounding glib, or - even worse - patronising.
I thought this was written so clearly and with a kind of breathtaking honesty; so it has an unusual quality of being a great piece of writing, and a statement of yourself from the various different angles of your life.
I hope you found it rewarding to write, and to re-read, and that the ability to write continues to support you.
Thank you Nicolas for the comment and for reading. Yes, you are right, I did feel all those things, and it's been rewarding to have people respond to it. I definitely feel encouraged to keep writing, and to continue being open to my experience in the hope of translating it into something that can touch others.
Beautifully written, Ollie. I recognized so many phrases that my mom says. She isn't technically diagnosed with dementia but I see the changes in her. I continue to balance care for her (along with my siblings) and continuing to care for me, grow my career, and be with my family.
I'm sorry for your friend, Chris. Your words hit home, as I figure out how to be a carer and not lose me.
I hope you can feel my virtual hug!
Thank you for your kind words Janine, and for connecting with me here. I feel your virtual hug and send one back to you and your family as you begin your journey with your mom. If you ever wish to chat, share anything, or ask anything, please feel free to get in touch.
Simply heartbreaking. I hold you in my heart, Ollie.
Thank you Mary! For everything. x
Absolutely beautiful. I certainly wouldn’t have been as poetic or graceful as you had I been doing this in my 40s. You touched my heart.
Thank you for reading Jodi! And for connecting with me here. I just had a look at your Substack... I wish I had had all the info you posted there at the start of my journey! It's very comprehensive. And I love your sense of humor.
#mutualadmirationsociety
This is so moving I'm having a hard time getting my head out of it. Beautifully written!
Oi Elaine! Thank you so much for reading and for your kind comments.