May we all find peace and comfort in life's mysteries, and come to discover that the end may not be the end, but rather a gateway to rebirth. May we find beauty and honor in death, and learn to embrace this sacred passage that we must all inevitably travel. ~ Tonya Merke
The Long Goodbye
They often refer to Alzheimer's as 'the long goodbye,' and for good reason. You may find yourself bidding farewell to your loved one, piece by piece, over the course of years. Each day brings a new introduction, and each night, another heart-wrenching farewell. These images offer a glimpse into my dad's profoundly personal journey with Alzheimer's, which came to an end on January 26, 2023.
I've often been advised not to share these images, as they may be too distressing to view. However, life isn't always easy. In fact, it can be downright tragic. I share these not seeking sympathy, but rather to remind us that we're all on this journey together. We will all face suffering in our own ways, carry our own burdens, and at times, seek needed solace in the kind eyes of a stranger. These images are shared so that you may understand my awareness and conviction: WE ARE ONE. And in that, so too are our sorrows.
WARNING: SOME IMAGES DEPICT DEATH AND MAY BE VERY DISTURBING. PLEASE VIEW WITH CAUTION.
Can we truly fathom the depths of death, without having walked the path with one we love? To witness this journey is unlike any I've known. Step by step, deeper and deeper, seemingly endless. Until, as prepared as one can be, yet still surprisingly sudden, their final breath is drawn, and their body lies heavy. And you, broken and shattered, stand empty in despair.
“To feel the warmth of your soft, loving touch just once more.
What a beautiful blessing, and a cruel, cruel curse, that would be.”
Donald Michael Merke
July 10, 1936 - January 26, 2023