About Me

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Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada
I am a lawyer in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada who enjoys reading, especially mysteries. Since 2000 I have been writing personal book reviews. This blog includes my reviews, information on and interviews with authors and descriptions of mystery bookstores I have visited. I strive to review all Saskatchewan mysteries. Other Canadian mysteries are listed under the Rest of Canada. As a lawyer I am always interested in legal mysteries. I have a separate page for legal mysteries. Occasionally my reviews of legal mysteries comment on the legal reality of the mystery. You can follow the progression of my favourite authors with up to 15 reviews. Each year I select my favourites in "Bill's Best of ----". As well as current reviews I am posting reviews from 2000 to 2011. Below my most recent couple of posts are the posts of Saskatchewan mysteries I have reviewed alphabetically by author. If you only want a sentence or two description of the book and my recommendation when deciding whether to read the book look at the bold portion of the review. If you would like to email me the link to my email is on the profile page.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Louise Penny and Michael Whitehead Holding Hands

A few weeks ago I put up posts about Louise Penny’s new book, A Great Reckoning. At the close of the book Louise set out all the people who had helped her be able to write the book as she coped with the increasing dementia problems of her husband, Michael.

Last week author, Anthony Bidulka, shared on Facebook an article Louise wrote for the AARP. It can be found at http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-2016/mystery-writer-louise-penny-personal-essay.html

Focused on caregiving the article discusses how Louise and others cared for Michael.

I was reminded of a day at our Rotary Club in Melfort when a member told us about the journey of himself and his wife in dealing with her early onset dementia in another community. As her health declined he advised his club in that city that he would have to give up his membership as he could not leave her alone to come to meetings. With a catch to his voice he said the wives of his fellow members (at that time Rotary was mainly male) organized themselves to be with his wife for each meeting so he could have abit of time with his friends.

Louise's article is titled “The Last Promise”. She promised herself that she would be with Michael when he died holding his hand.

It is a heart wrenching story. I admire Louise for writing about their challenges and for her commitment to Michael.

After the article there was a note that Michael had died on September 18 and that Louise had been able to fulfill her last promise.

Peace be with you Louise and Michael.
 

8 comments:

  1. What a heart-rending, and yet uplifting story, Bill. I knew that Louise Penny's husband had died of complications from dementia, but didn't know about that promise. I so admire her commitment to him. I, too, wish them peace and healing.

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    1. Margot: Thanks for the comment. Louise reminds us how good we can be to those we love.

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  2. Thank you for sharing that, Bill. I had no idea what she had been going through. It is a heart-breaking and yet such a beautiful, loving story.

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    1. Marina: Thanks for the comment. Her story is a powerful affirmation of love.

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  3. Thanks for sharing an awesome read; I'll be sure to pick up one of her books once I've completed the ones you've already lent me.

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    1. Brandi: Thanks for the comment. I suggest starting with the first in the Gamache series.

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  4. Touching and human stories Bill - thanks.

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    1. Moira: Thanks for the comment. I see Louise and Michael as inspirations to all of us.

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