(Memories- My amazing father with my eldest)

The email was late. “Sorry the music recording took so long. I’ve been busy with my father-in-law who is in the hospital again. He has a brain injury. I’ve been his caregiver for the past twenty years.” I could relate. Like my section leader, I also shared caregiving duties with my tireless mom before my father’s passing. It was tough, trying to keep my dad as safe and healthy as possible. This, while having my own medical condition.

The chorus had been practicing Elton John’s overcoming addiction song, I’m Still Standing, the transcending lyrics relatable to many tough circumstances. But difficult can also be rewarding. My father was an active ALZ patient, so there were walks, the hands of grandchildren to steady him, and forever his brave patience dealing with cognitive decline. He did it for us and I am beyond proud of my father.

I start typing. “I’m sure you bring relief to your loved one, and/or family. We take care of each other” Her quick response, “You don’t know how much your words have meant to me.”

We take care of each other. I truly believe this, as this is how I want to envision the world. Perhaps a maddening thought in these times, but hope is a power I wield within to believe in our collective humanity. An encouraging word, an offering of resources, goes a long way.

The following rehearsal I nail the notes. I had just started medication to improve my own condition. “I’m Still Standing better than I ever did.” I needed Elton’s mantra. But it is our closing practice of clasping hands and lifting our voices in harmony that hooked me.

“Tomorrow’s another day. I hope and pray we’ll be together. Tomorrow, this today, will be a yesterday that’s gone forever. So take my hand my friend, I want to say. I’m glad we laughed and loved and sang together today.”

We truly do care for each other. Let us remember community, the stories that shape us, and the power we have despite these chaotic times to reach out and strengthen the quality of our lives.