Published in August, 2017, this is JoAnne's debut memoir, a single year's chronological transcription from her personal journal in which she recorded her days as the caregiver of a dying husband. It starts with her husband's admission to palliative care and ends with his death, but this is not a tragedy. True, the story includes pain, confusion, and weakness, but the unyielding thread of life to which Dave clings so long runs through her own voice, too. Almost daily, hope, optimism, and resolve wage real war with fear, depression, and anger. It wasn't until her husband's life reached its end and JoAnne could finally look back into these often dark days that she understood that her steps hadn't been nearly as random as they felt. There is a rhythm here, a rich refrain undulating with triumphant ups and gaunt downs. This is a song which, when its last chords dissolve, leaves behind a poignant sweetness that confirms we are, even on our hardest days, being held.
Look for it in print and as an ebook on Amazon.com. |
JoAnne Potter |
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