the long goodbye
By J. Mike Oliver
This is a love story dealing with Alzheimer’s.
Jo Anne has always been a pillar of strength, a woman who faced life’s challenges with grace and determination. Living in Melbourne, Florida, she found solace in her daily routines: morning walks that helped her manage her health and anxiety, and afternoons spent tending to her garden. But the most important part of her day was visiting Joe, her beloved husband, who was battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Joe, once a vibrant man full of life and humor, now struggled with the debilitating effects of his illness. Jo Anne’s visits to the care home were filled with moments of heartbreak and tenderness. She fed him, changed him, and sat with him, her patience and love unwavering despite the toll it took on her heart.
In an attempt to reclaim some joy and excitement in her life, Jo Anne took a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas. The city’s bright lights and bustling energy offered a stark contrast to her everyday life. At a craps table, she rediscovered a part of herself that she thought had been lost—a sense of adventure and courage. The experience brought new friends and a much-needed break from her caregiving responsibilities, leaving her with cherished memories and a renewed spirit.
Returning home, Jo Anne resumed her routine, but with a newfound strength and perspective. She continued to care for Joe, her dedication unwavering. When one of Joe’s old friends, Sam, visited, he provided her with a comforting reminder of the support she had around her. Sam, a golf buddy of Joe’s who had also lost his spouse, reassured Jo Anne that she would be okay, offering her solace and understanding.
One fateful night, Jo Anne received a call from the care home. Joe’s breathing had worsened, and she was urged to come immediately. In the quiet room, she held his frail, skeletal body, feeling his suffering and her own helplessness. She whispered her love and begged him to stay, her heart breaking as she watched him slip away. Joe’s death was a profound loss, leaving Jo Anne devastated and alone.
Despite her grief, Jo Anne found the strength to write about her experiences. Her story, narrated by her son, serves as both a tribute to her resilience and a resource for others navigating the pain of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. The novel ends with an informational chapter, providing links to support groups and resources for caregivers.
“A Long Goodbye” is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It captures the emotional journey of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, the moments of joy and despair, and the ultimate path to healing and self-discovery.
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