I realize I will be dating myself, when I share the silly school girl crush, I had for Bruce Willis when he first walked on the scene in the television show, Moonlighting (1985 – 1989).
Willis played David Addison, the debonair, but very objectionable male chauvinist. But oh so sexy cute, wisecracking detective running the City of Angels Detective Agency. The show was successful because of the chemistry exuded on-screen by the two leading characters. His co-star being, the eloquent former fashion model Cybill Shepherd who played the character of Maddie Hayes. Viewers got to sit in each week and watch David Addison’s constant run-ins with Maddie, a smart former high-fashion model who would become his partner in all things involving sleuthing cases, along with their blatant romantic tension. Needless to say, I would be front-row and center each and every week while it aired.
Bruce Willis went on to play, John McClane, a New York City police detective, a truly vulnerable action hero, in the successful “Die Hard” series.
So, when years later, Willis’s ex-wife, Demi Moore and current wife, the author, announced his devastating dis-ease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), it was hard to fathom this would be his unfortunate destiny.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term for a group of brain diseases that mainly affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These areas of the brain are associated with personality, behavior and language.”
In many ways, as much as this is the author’s story, it is definitely her husband’s, as well. And, it makes sense that the author would also sub-title this as a journey of “finding strength and hope, and yourself on the caregiving path.” Especially as a caregiver, since this has been the majority of her marriage.
The author not only shares her “love story,” but many helpful hints, suggestions and exercises on how to navigate the ‘loss’ of a loved one while they are still with you in this deeply affecting way.
There are 10 helpful chapters with such headings as: ‘making sense of the changing brain,’ ‘make time for yourself,’ ‘parenting while caregiving;’ and, ‘let friends and family take care of you.’ She also utilizes information from experts, and is clear in her ‘note to readers’ that her story is ‘not intended as medical advice.’
Readers will appreciate her journaling prompts of ‘something to think about’ at the end of each chapter.
There is definitely something heart-felt to appreciate about the author sharing this story about the once television/movie star who is now devoid of himself. Her story and anecdotes and guidance are beautifully, compassionately, meaningfully and thought-fully written. It is truly a compelling, bittersweet, and heartwarming journey.
This reading experience is recommended for anyone in a caregiving role, or just interested in learning more about the author’s experience negotiating dis-ease with her partner Bruce Willis, a once famous person, who some of us loved watching on our screens.