Today has been one of the most harrowing days of my life. And I am too zapped of any life force to begin this essay with some flowery metaphor or theme that will be interwoven throughout the text, to crescendo with a lessons learned and come to a close with a nod to something positive. … More Day 10 with Takkin
In two months, I will be Takkin’s legal guardian, along with my father. We will be responsible for his medical and financial well-being and safety, among other things. He will not be able to vote, to marry, to open a bank account. He will have several rights taken away; he will be, legally, like a … More Day 9 with Takkin
I’m only human. But I’ve been trying my absolute hardest to be better than only human. I think my exhaustion has caught up with me and patience is wearing thin. Exhibit A – Text to my dad: I don’t know what the fuck to do with this kid. I’ve taken him out all day everyday … More Day 8 with Takkin
I used to volunteer in the Alzheimer’s Care Unit of a retirement home. Each guest had their own special needs–there was no one-size fits all way of attending to those needs or mollifying the eruptions of confusion, sorrow, or anger that would often arise out of nowhere. One man liked to be sung too–old Americana tunes. … More Day 7 with Takkin
I awoke this morning to the pouring rain and a pit in my stomach. No. Tutors. Today. Which meant I had about 14 hours of one-on-one time with Takkin, nonstop. I decided, despite the rain, to head 2.5 hours down south to Charlottesville to visit my alma mater, UVA, and my friend Michael. That was … More Day 6 with Takkin
Welp, the dinner party is off. And Cry #1 of 5 has commenced. I had to cancel an hour beforehand because Takkin is a monster. I am sitting at my grandmother’s house shaking as I write these words because I just got two remote controls thrown at my head and was yelled at for 10 … More Day 5 with Takkin
I managed to get away for a few hours today to see some coworkers and then visit my 90 year old grandmother. She was sitting up in bed, her legs sticking out of her torso like toothpicks. I kissed her once on each cheek and sat down next to her so we could chat for … More Day 4 with Takkin
