Michael Tarka
No one can prepare you to become a caregiver to your spouse when they are diagnosed with and suffer from Alzheimer’s. In Forever Bound, devoted husband Michael compiles an anthology of poems for similar caregiving spouses. For nearly 40 years, Michael and Diane shared the most incredible life together-building their dreams, their family, and their intertwined lives. When Diane was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, their life together continued... but roles began to shift. Soon, Michael’s vivacious, loving wife transformed into a wheelchair-bound person whose verbal and written skills have all but disappeared, and who could no longer take care of her daily basic human needs. Through everything, a deep love prevailed-but that didn’t erase the emotional rollercoaster Michael unknowingly boarded when he took the mantle of caregiver.To help himself process his feelings, and to offer support to other spouses in similar situations, Michael has crafted a small but powerful book of poems that encapsulate the litany of emotions that caregiving for a spouse with Alzheimer’s brings. The poems within Forever Bound reflect the intensity of thoughts and feelings as a husband watches his wife decline, knowing he can do nothing to stop the progression.Early readers have termed the poetry collection 'powerful,' 'emotional,' and 'tough' with refreshing candor and seemingly 'inspired by a higher being.' At its foundation, Forever Bound is simply meant for like minded readers to acknowledge the deep feelings generated by this Alzheimer’s journey-and to recognize that they are not alone. For husbands, wives, and other partners in life who have walked the Alzheimer’s journey with their affected significant other... This poetry collection sees you, hears you,and validates you.
