THE BUDDHIST CARER

Sunny, humid, hot A fan, no air con in sight Phew, what a scorcher! Boiling, baking, fierce Sweltering, sweating, roasting And it’s only...

Life’s a waiting room Or at least it feels that way Sitting and waiting. Meanwhile there’s mopping, Washing, reassurances, While we sit...

When I think of “time” Do I really get what it means? Dragging, flying past. Experience time Is to experience life It is being-time....

Lawn needs mowing? Stop. Clothes to wash? That too can wait. Self-regulation. Day centre today Means a few hours to myself Time for just...

Endless washing-up Washing catching on brambles Overgrown garden. Kitchen window view Of wet washing getting wet Summertime rainfall....

Better off at home Or with qualified carers? Well, I’ll be the judge. Unpaid, on my own Safety first, comfortable, Cheap at half the...

He is living a full, loving, sociable life. Or so I’ve been told. Annual appointment Lasting twenty minutes max Underpins this view....

Young, fun, attractive Positive, always laughing That was me back then. Impressions he holds Onto - three decades later - Of the me I...

Connecting train She won’t make it on time so Change of direction. Ping! Low tyre pressure Do I have the pump with me? Inflate… then...

Where do I feature Amongst mopping the floor and All the other crap?! Well and truly last Do I deserve a life, too? Bottom of the pile....

Just one of the “gifts” With Parkinson’s: choking Seldom but scary. Silence then panic Encouraging him to breathe Until it passes. A...

Anniversary Memories of tying the knot Love and much laughter. Unconventional Epaulettes for the “captain” And the same dress twice. Fast...

Well, the day has come We’re resigned now to the fact: Cognitive decline. Not diagnosed but It’s staring us in the face We know, we accept.

Es kam ein Päckchen Woher? Von wem? Fragte ich. Eifrig pack’ ich aus… Schokolade, Tee Ein goldenes Gläschen und Ein Buch zum schmökern....

I noticed a name Rather unusual spelling Which I recognised. Could it be his son? Heartbeat racing, excited Might we reconnect? Happy...

Fancy this concert? She asks so innocently And panic strikes me. Yes, I think, I do Like the idea of this… but It’s so long ahead. Oh how...

Lemon, jasmine and Patchouli oils - such aromas! Relaxing massage.

Triratna - Three Gems Everywhere in mundane life I see these Three Jewels Colours as symbols Of Buddha, Dharma, Sangha In my washing-up.

Horse chestnut candles Gentle breeze and pollen sneeze Oh, wisteria!

Generosity And the kindness of strangers Small talk, dog stroking Fancy a coffee? A slight hesitation then Make mine a cuppa!