While They're Still Here: A Memoir (Signed!) [B1552]

2017 signed PB in nice clean condition. A Winner of the 2018 IPBA/Benjamin Franklin Gold Award. After a lifetime of strained bonds with her aging parents, Olympia retiree Patricia Williams finds herself in the unexpected position of being their caregiver and neighbor. As they all begin to navigate this murky battleground, the long-buried issues that have divided their family for decades-alcoholism, infidelity, opposing politics-rear up and demand to be addressed head-on. Williams answers the call of duty with trepidation at first, confronting the lines between service and servant, guardian and warden, while her parents alternately resist her help and wear her out. But by facing each new struggle with determination, grace, and courage, they ultimately emerge into a dynamic of greater transparency, mutual support, and teachable moments for all. Honest and humorous, graceful and grumbling, While They're Still Here is a poignant story about a family that waves the white flag and begins to heal old wounds as they guide each other through the most vulnerable chapter of their lives.

From Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Great book for caregivers. Loved this book. I am an older adult who had a mom and Dad who needed care. Soon I will be in the same situation. It brought back memories. I laughed and cried."; "Wonderful story about family. This book was very well written. It is so hard when parents age and the author describes it so well. She was able to make a difference in her parents' lives. She wrote with such compassion and caring. I would recommend reading this book."; "An unusual memoir. I was moved and fascinated by this true tale of the author's parents' lives and of her own unexpected, life-opening journey as their caretaker while they were declining with age. What surprising gifts can occur with decline and death, what hope for our humanity. It was a thought provoking, entertaining heck of a ride reading this book, and I recommend it highly."