Article from the post: My husband was slowing down. He needed protecting.
I just read this article from the Post, which I share with a gifted link (no paywall).
The article starts with an unfair reference to Joe and Jill Biden:
A story for Jill Biden:
The remainder is actually a good, although depressing, read. Here is the last paragraphs:
During Bens last year, happily, he never forgot who I was. About a week before he died, as we were going to sleep he took my hand and thanked me for taking such good care of him. And thank you, he said, for protecting me.
Ben died with his dignity intact. And his legacy as well.
I was with my dad a few days ago, and he didn't know me (it's been this way for a long time), but as I held his hand he did thank me for loving him. At least there was no concern about his legacy or dignity.
I wish all of us who are caring for family who are "slowing down" could have the resources that Ben Bradlee and Sandra Day OConnor had. Yes, it is an important article, but really misses what pretty much every american deals with.
Now something personal: Due to genetics I'm afraid my wife will have to deal with this as well with me. Not right now, but too soon. I'm so sorry that she will have to deal with that. There are many others in the same situation, even if the don't know it.
https://wapo.st/3WBCiOf