He managed to survive intense abuse from his mother, through the teachings of his Druid grandparents on love without conditions and connecting with Nature. During the last seven years of our thirty year partnership I cared for him and chronicled his slow mental decline. Here is our journey through the unspeakable with varying degrees of acceptance and grace. This is my tribute to Mark, his life and his spirit: a love poem of memory, respect, pain and joy.

Mark's upbringing by his Druid grandparents is illuminating. I was fortunate to transcribe his memories before he began to lose them. Here are teachings about communicating with spirits, plant lore, frequencies, restructuring one's brain, forgiveness and love without conditions.

Dementia caregivers can relate to my experiences and perhaps feel less alone. I hope also my fellow caregivers can pick up ideas on how to better take care of themselves, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Others may learn compassion for those enmeshed in the bizarre world of dementia, and perhaps reach out in friendship.