THE BUDDHIST CARER

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!

Buttercups, bluebells Comforting rays of sunshine Cow parsley, daisies.

Would a change of job Actually change anything? Fancy changing tack! Grass is always green Wherever and whatever The decision is. To work...

Back home a week now Back to work and full-time care Back to my normal. Image by Andriana Psychidou Available on Pinterest...

There’s been a murder In the marquee in the garden He says solemnly. Convoluted tale Full of suspense and intrigue. All part of the deal!...

Different vibe… song asks: Have you ever seen the rain? Yesterday, for sure. This morning - sunlight Bright light, bright mood, pleasant...

It’s overwhelming The pain of grief, the sadness Of what is and was. Taking time to pause Letting chronic sorrow in. A gentle mantra...

Such a different life Than others I overhear Strange conversations. Holidays, nights out And drunken celebrations My previous life.

So “did you sleep well?” She asks another table But what about me? “Are you on your own?” You really don’t need to ask Breakfast for just...