“We often wish we had the chance to say goodbye to those who depart abruptly. But what about those who depart one day at a time? What about those who have left without fully leaving? It’s like rehearsing for their absence in slow-motion: their lives shrinking to the point where the bed becomes an open casket. So many lasts have already happened without me realising it.” Oooof these words. The grief and guilt and dissociation and self-loathing and pride and empathy and love in this entire article. So well written, big hugs. As someone caring for two elders with dementia, I feel you and support you in the trenches.