The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

by Anna Johnston

Late-stage dementia was like an empty house that the tenant had checked out of.

When memory goes, you see, all that’s left is emotion.

Fred had learned all the tips and tricks over the years: never argue, go with the flow; never shame, instead distract; never condescend, always encourage.

What a blessing sleep could be sometimes, a merciful relief from dementia, from pain, from grief. A brief holiday where there were no suitcases full of burdens to carry. In dreams you could forget that you didn’t remember, and remember those who were no longer there.

Love is . . . about picking someone up and never, ever putting them down again, no matter how heavy things become.”