Author Archives: Humanity Hiker

The Routine of Tiny Perfect Things

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Humanity Hiker

I know that the novel and movie “The Notebook” contains elements similar to my experience with Cindy. A man refers to a notebook to remind a woman with dementia of their shared past and love. The symphonic slideshow I rehearse … Continue reading →

Posted in Home Care Journal, Lasting Love | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Ten Years After

Posted on December 19, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

This was a morning when Cindy’s underpad needed to be changed at the start of her day. As is the routine for when this happens I pick Cindy up in my arms and sit down in the neighboring chair with … Continue reading →

Posted in Home Care Journal, Journeying, Lasting Love, Stages of Decline | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

All in the Eyes

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

After feeding the cats I return to our “bedroom” to start Cindy’s day. If her eyes are closed, droopy or alert I go about my normal routine. On this day her eyes are fixed on the ceiling in a vacant … Continue reading →

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Mind over Matter

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

“Mind over matter.” That declaration by Cindy echoed in my mind as I pushed her in the stroller to an outdoor wedding, 3.5 miles from our home. We had planned to jog to this event for months. Lindy the bride … Continue reading →

Posted in Home Care Journal, Journeying, Lasting Love | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Best Laid Plans

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

We were looking to carry on a new tradition this year on the date of our anniversary, September 19. Last year on that date I took Cindy to the top of Dennis Hill in the adult stroller. Our daughter Charissa … Continue reading →

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Finally Finished!

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

I finished orchestrating Journey, the fifth and final movement of the American Discovery symphony. As the title implies this movement for a full orchestra provides an overview of the total American Discovery experience. It also is the most touching of … Continue reading →

Posted in American Discovery Symphony, American Discovery Trail, Journeying, Lasting Love | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

My Caregiver Dilemma

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

As I gave Cindy her first hug of the day, claiming instead she was giving me a hug, I asked her the usual question:  “Did you sleep OK.” Back when Cindy could answer she always said “yes” even though I … Continue reading →

Posted in Home Care Journal, Lasting Love, Stages of Decline | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Aintee’s Barbecue Revisited

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

We discovered Aintee’s Barbecue in East St. Louis, during our walk across the country. We had just crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois on a clear day late in December, the kind of day that allows odors to travel far. … Continue reading →

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Modes of Affection

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

As a citizen from the land of steady habits, I call up the same type of music for each day of the week while I do the early morning chores. On Saturdays I call for the children’s music we played … Continue reading →

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Empathy and Resurrection

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Humanity Hiker

After changing Cindy and going through her physical therapy I put her “dancing shoes” on and swing her legs out of the bed. Her “dancing shoes” are a pair of sandals with rubber soles gripping the floor. Her sandals are … Continue reading →

Posted in Home Care Journal, Lasting Love | Tagged , | 1 Comment